Drawn to novels based on real people and events, I was enthusiastic about reading A. S. Rodlie’s Keepers of the Garden for The BC Review. There aren’t many novels focussed on early fur trade history of the Pacific Northwest, making this one particularly intriguing. Having some familiarity with the few sources of the doomed Pacific …
Book Reviews for Vanessa Winn’s books, poetry and articles
BC Review of historical novel Providence
I was delighted to have the opportunity to review historian Valerie Green’s debut novel, Providence, for The British Columbia Review. An author of over 20 non-fiction titles, Green deftly blends fact and fiction in this vivid portrayal of colonial British Columbia. Set in the mid-19th-century, the engaging story captures the spirit of hope and desperation …
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Miramichi Reader Review
Naomi MacKinnon’s review of Trappings was re-posted in The Miramichi Reader, a journal that “highlights noteworthy books and authors across Canada from coast to coast to coast.” https://miramichireader.ca/2021/09/trappings-by-vanessa-winn/
Consumed by Ink review
Trappings received an insightful review in Nova Scotia by Naomi MacKinnon. Shining a light on Canadian women’s history, she appreciates the coast-to-coast ties of the Wentworth Wallace family, who fled Halifax under scandal to start over in BC. In her words: You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this book … Some …
Trappings in The Ormsby Review
Trappings was reviewed by historical author Valerie Green in The Ormsby Review, a journal of in-depth coverage of BC’s books. Trappings takes place in the early Colonial days of British Columbia and excellently portrays those challenging times — most especially for women. Vanessa Winn’s vivid scenes are beautifully depicted… Kate’s tragic story is presented by …
Book Review
Trappings was reviewed in the Victoria Writers’ Society News, by VWS President Edeana Malcolm: Trappings is a book that will please anyone who loves local Victoria history but wants it told in a novel way… Winn grounds her novel in extensive research, even providing a bibliography at the end. Every …
Interview with Bonnie Way
Delighted to be interviewed by Bonnie Way, a Vancouver blogger, writer, and mom. I also learned a little more about her. We share an interest in fur trader and explorer David Thompson, who is connected to the history of Mrs. Josette (Lagacé) Work, one of the formidable matriarchs in Trappings. And Bleak House and Middlemarch, …
Blog review of Trappings
Vancouver blogger and mom, Bonnie Way, reviews Trappings. Around a sturdy structure of historical facts, she wove a beautiful tapestry of emotions and motives, making Kate come alive for modern readers… Whether you’re a lover of historical fiction or curious to know more about British Columbia, I recommend both The Chief Factor’s Daughter and Trappings. Her …
BC BookLook
Trappings listed in BC BookLook’s Who’s Who: https://bcbooklook.com/w-is-for-vanessa-winn/
The Chief Factor’s Daughter featured in Booksmack
The Chief Factor’s Daughter was a favourite pick at the Greater Victoria Public Library’s Booksmack event at the Belfry this spring. Librarians give speed reviews of their favourite books. This looks like a fun event, where librarians also showcase their sense of humour! I’ll get to one in future… http://gvpl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Belfry-Booksmack-April-24-2017.pdf