The Island Register's P.E.I. Genealogy Books, CDs and Reviews: Novels, Historical Fiction, etc.

There is another class of books that are of interest to those doing genealogy and historical research. These are books based on historical events, but written as novels or fiction. In many cases, the authors go to great pains to maintain historical accuracy, in others, more artistic freedom is taken, but in most cases, they all are a good read. In order to keep them separate from the straight reference works, but to still promote these deserving works, I have created this listing just for them.

• Book: Reader, Be Thou Also Ready
  

Author: Robert James
ISBN: 1-896647-26-X
2000 - Soft Cover, 224 pages
Available At: Island Register Bookstore
Price: $14.00 U.S.
Report by: Dave Hunter

"A most attrocious Murder has been committed in this hitherto peaceful part of the country. On Tuesday evening last, Mr. William Fawcett, living in the upper part of this parish called his family together about 10 o'clock to attend their evening devotion, which being over, he was sitting by a candle reading his Bible, when some monster in human shape fired a gun through the window at him and killed him immediately; he never spoke nor moved after being shot. Mr. Fawcett was a man of most amiable character, mild, inoffensive and retiring in his manners; he probably never willfully offended any person; and has died regretted by all who knew him - New Brunswick Royal Gazette, July 14, 1832."

A wonderful example of historical fiction. Author Robert James is the third great-grandson of William. A teacher for many years, he has now retired, and enjoys his genealogy and writing interests in Wasaga Beach, Ontario. The book was launched at Yorkshire 2000, August, 2000.

This is the story of a young orphan, James George, who came to live with a Sackville, N.B. family. Working side by side with William, he helped to build the farm, and became to be loved as a son. Disaster struck the family with the foul murder of William Fawcett, and as James kept the family together, the murderer is revealed and put to trial. It is a wonderful reflection of life on a farm in New Brunswick in the early 19th century. It is well researched and the historical events are true, only the dialog, and the interpretation of those facts are fiction. I must admit I found this book fascinating, and had difficulty setting it aside till it was completely read. It is a very interesting book that will appeal to all of us with an interest in genealogy and history.

The book may be ordered from: The Island Register Bookstore, or

Broken Jaw Press,
Box 596, Stn. A,
Fredericton, N.B.
Canada, E3B 5A6.

07/13/2000

Books Listed Alphabetically by Title

Main	Index	A-D	E-L	M-P	Q-Z	Novels	Links	Next