Fiction. On the cusp of the Depression, Sheilagh Driscoll of isolated Rennie's Bay nearly dies while giving birth prematurely to baby Leah. Sheilagh is attended by a traditional midwife, part Mi'kmaq, Mrs. Mary, as well as by Leah Clarke, a nurse-midwife from England. Baby Leah Mary survives but develops serious asthma, which requires treatment throughout her childhood. Traumatized by the birth, Sheilagh learns about age-old ways of preventing pregnancy. The result is an awakening that impacts on Sheila's relationship with all the women around her, especially her younger sister Claire. Informed by the occasional newspapers and magazines that make their way to Rennie's Bay via sea-going schooners, Claire's worldview contrasts sharply with Sheilagh's. In contrast to Sheilagh's acceptance of life in Rennie's Bay, Claire reacts against it. Claire stumbles into a sexual relationship but sees relations with David--or any man--as a trap and tries to avoid him. She is not entirely successful and finds herself pregnant. Like her sister, she turns to Mrs. Mary for help.

Author City: ST. JOHN'S, NL CAN

Maura Hanrahan is the author, co-author, or editor of ten books in several genres, including creative nonfiction, history, etc. Her writing has won awards in Canada, Britain, and the U.S. She is a member of the Sip'kop Mi'kmaq Band. For about 14 years, she has been a self-employed consultant on Aboriginal issues and has worked mostly with Aboriginal organizations on health, education, land claims, and cultural survival issues. She lives in St. John's with her husband, the novelist Paul Butler. She has won several book awards including: 2007 Good Read Novel Competition: Honourable Distinction for SHEILAGH'S BRUSH (then an unpublished novel); 2005 History and Heritage Award for Tsunami: The Newfoundland Tidal Wave Disaster; shortlisted, Rogers Cable Newfoundland and Labrador Book Award for Nonfiction for Tsunami: The Newfoundland Tidal Wave Disaster; and shortlisted, History and Heritage Award for The Doryman.