Random Passage (original 1991; edition 1992)

Random Passage

Historical novel about the courage and raw humanity of outcasts wringing out subsistence living in the barrens of Newfoundland (Cape Random) from mid to late 19th century. I would have liked a map and dates. ( )

Spanning 15 years in the early 1800s, this is the tale of two families living in a remote Newfoundland outport. It's primarily a story about the struggle to survive, but also about relationships, personalities, and secrets.

Two-thirds of the book is narrated from the point of view of Lavinia Andrews; the last one-third gives the viewpoint of Thomas Hutchings, a secretive man who is employed to be at Cape Random for the fishery. This second view adds depth to the novel.

The novel includes vivid description of the harsh conditions; one cannot but be struck by the severe isolation and the dependence on each other for survival.

The discussion of the seal hunt povides perspective on its importance for survival of the early settlers of Newfoundland.
This is a must-read for anyone interested in Newfoundland history. ( )

This book begins the journey of one woman trying to find her roots and intertwines it with the story of another trying to put some down. Back and forth between the early settling of Newfoundland and modern day, this book is an engaging story of loss, ancestry, and the overwhelming human need to belong. ( )

An excellent example of historical fiction. Based in NFLD, this book describes the slow growth of an outport. Interesting characters, excellent historical detail. I was anxious to read the sequel, only to be highly disappointed... ( )