Disturbing content<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

Suffering and tragedy is depicted in connection with a cholera epidemic.<\/p>\n

Both human and animal suffering\/death is mentioned in multiple places. Most references are not graphic, but a few have more vividness than some readers would appreciate.<\/p>\n

Disturbing condition of emigrants during voyages and after landing is glimpsed, but not graphically described.<\/p>\n

Blood\/bleeding are mentioned in several places, both as the result of injury\/violence and also as a medical treatment.<\/p>\n

The story is told of a widow frightened by a First Nations man who intends to spend the night in her house. Her imagination of her children being murdered is rather graphic, but does not actually come to pass, as the man proves kind and friendly.<\/p>\n

Military characters (including the author\u2019s husband) appear frequently in the story, but no warfare is covered during the timeframe of the book.<\/p>\n

\n
1. \n

   Language<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

   A number of words such as \u201cgay,\u201d \u201cintimate,\u201d and \u201cmolested,\u201d are used in an older, broader, or more innocent sense than they convey today.<\/p>\n

   The author\u2019s contact with and descriptions of First Nations peoples contain various stereotypical conceptions and vocabulary that would be offensive in a modern context, although they would not have been regarded in that way at the time the book was written. Similar content occurs at times when the author touches on other nationalities or classes of society. Negative opinions about individuals are also freely expressed.<\/p>\n

   A young boy is referred to as a \u201chunchbacked dwarf\u201d on account of \u201cextreme deformity.\u201d<\/p>\n

   The word \u201cfool\u201d is used by several characters.<\/p>\n

   Several characters are mentioned as using profane language, but without examples.<\/p>\n

   \n
   1. \n

      Alcohol and drug use (includes tobacco)<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Various types of alcohol are mentioned throughout the book. Taverns are referenced at several points. Drinking to excess is depicted and portrayed as wrong. Fairly moderate consumption of alcohol is not discouraged.<\/p>\n

      Hops are used to make yeast for both homemade bread and alcohol.<\/p>\n

      Opium, quinine, and calomel are used for medicinal purposes.<\/p>\n

      First Nations men are depicted smoking.<\/p>\n

      Mention is made of snuff.<\/p>\n

      Please note: The word \u201cliquor\u201d is used when discussing cooking to signify any type of liquid resulting from culinary operations\u2014in this context it does not signify the presence of alcohol.<\/p>\n

      \n
      1. \n

         Spiritual content<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

         The author writes from a Church of England (Episcopal) perspective. The liturgy and structure of this church are referenced at several points. Adoration of God is referenced repeatedly, particularly when dwelling on the beauties of nature.<\/p>\n

         A Roman Catholic cathedral is visited and admired.<\/p>\n

         Natural phenomenon similar to the northern lights is described as resembling \u201csome bright visitor from another and better world.\u201d<\/p>\n

         Passing mention is made of such concepts as ghosts, fairies, and other entities derived from folklore, mythology, or superstition.<\/p>\n

         \u201cNature\u201d is spoken of in the language of a Providential power in several places.<\/p>\n

         A number of Biblical\/religious phrases are applied to secular circumstances\/occurrences.<\/p>\n

         The author wonders and speculates about the history behind various geological features she comes across, many of which would be perceived by creationists as outcomes of Noah’s Flood.<\/p>\n

         \n
         1. \n

            Family roles and behavior<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            First Nations boy grins at his mother\u2019s bad English, and \u201ctorments\u201d (mercilessly teases) children and dogs.<\/p>\n

            Fond father insists on disturbing sleeping children to show them to guests, despite mother\u2019s remonstrances.<\/p>\n

            Upper-class lady declares she would see her sons dead before she would let them do common manual labour.<\/p>\n

            Government quarantine regulations for incoming ships are complained of as ineffective and absurd.<\/p>\n

            \n
            1. \n

               Mature subject matter<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

               Working with a spinning-wheel is described as \u201ccalculated to show off the natural advantages of a fine figure.\u201d<\/p>\n

               On complaining about the accommodation at an inn, the author is told by the landlady that the only alternative would be sharing a room with three gentlemen.<\/p>\n

               In discussing cattle, \u201cdistention of the udder\u201d is mentioned as harming cows that are allowed to forage for days on end.<\/p>\n

               Reference is made to an infant as a \u201cbabe at the breast,\u201d also to a child of three who is \u201cnot yet weaned.\u201d<\/p>\n

               Reading The Backwoods of Canada<\/em><\/strong><\/h5>\n

               Perhaps the most fascinating thing about this book, is that it is a true story. Catharine Parr Traill really did emigrate from pre-Victorian England to the Canadian backwoods in 1832. She really did face\u2014and overcome\u2014the host of difficulties that she describes in her letters home. Her indominable courage, cheerfulness, and hope are real-life characteristics that continue to inspire and challenge me today.<\/p>\n

               If Catharine Parr Traill could face the incredible changes and obstacles of her life with that much optimism and resilience, surely God has grace for us to meet our own futures with the same characteristics.<\/p>\n

               If you are interested in another peek into North American life in the early 1800\u2019s, see our review:<\/p>\n

               <\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

               What would it be like to leave your life of modern luxury and convenience and plunge into the difficulties and dangers of a wilderness homestead? The Backwoods of Canada by… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4520,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-book-reviews"],"yoast_head":"\n