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In February, I think I must have spent more time getting in and out of
woolens, snowsuits, and insulated boots than I did reading.
Thanks to the magic of Microsoft Reader Text-to-Speech, I managed to listen to the following book over a few sessions of weekend kitchen activity:
It seemed to me that the author
excelled in showing the contributions
of people wherever they happened to be, in their homes and with their
neighbors. In one story, a couple who were active in
the
Salvation Army Church while in the city exercise heart and
kindness
in their new rough frontier neighborhood. In another story, a female author at a speaking
engagement surprises her hosts
with her love of her own rural home and family
above time she could have with their (presumably) more
culturally-educated and
progressive
social group. One
story showed the emptiness and futility of small-town political games
and maneuvering.
I must say that I was more than a bit surprised when I later did some quick research and found that Nellie McClung is best known for her role in political activism in the liberal issues of her day and is considered a "feminist." Upon reflection, I gather that McClung's writings attempt to show us that her political aims rested on a real heart for helping individuals find their place and their rest.
I look forward to learning more about Nellie McClung, not by what the encyclopediae say, but through another of her works.
Thanks to the magic of Microsoft Reader Text-to-Speech, I managed to listen to the following book over a few sessions of weekend kitchen activity:
- The Black Creek Stopping-House and Other Stories by Nellie McClung (1912), avaliable for free download at Project Gutenberg.
The book is a
compilation
that includes the multi-chapter mini-novel, The Black Creek Stopping-House, and
seven short stories, most of them highlighting life in the
sparsely-settled areas of Western Canada. I was pleasantly
surprised and cheered by the sympathetic, kind-hearted practicality of
the author toward and with her characters. Hers was a spirit
I enjoyed having in my kitchen. I determined I need to try
some more of her works.
I must say that I was more than a bit surprised when I later did some quick research and found that Nellie McClung is best known for her role in political activism in the liberal issues of her day and is considered a "feminist." Upon reflection, I gather that McClung's writings attempt to show us that her political aims rested on a real heart for helping individuals find their place and their rest.
I look forward to learning more about Nellie McClung, not by what the encyclopediae say, but through another of her works.
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Date: 2011-03-01 11:16 pm (UTC)