Customer Reviews

Swamp Angel (New Canadian Library)

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One of the most remarkable books I have ever read. It was recommended to me as a transplanted Maritimer, a fly fisher and fly tier, all of which the heroine also is. For a book of its era it is amazingly modern in many of its sentiments. Others reviews here have delved into the storyline and potential meanings of events; I simply encourage the reader to enjoy Wilson's lyrical descriptions of flyfishing the beautiful rivers of BC, such as the Similkameen, and the heroine's enjoyment of a life spent outdoors as part of nature.

This book was originally published in 1954. It takes place in British Columbia Canada. The main character, Maggie, is living in Vancouver with her 2nd husband Eddie. She is unhappy in the marriage due to "humiliation and anger". She plans for some time to leave her husband and slowly packs away her clothing and other items and hides the bag. One night after dinner while doing dishes she simply walks out the kitchen door and to her new life. She travels to the country and gets a job at a fishing lodge at Three Loon Lake. But jealousy of the fishing lodge's owner threatens to disrupt her new life. Maggie remains in touch with her friend, Nell, in Vancouver. Nell has a sentimental attachment to an old revolver named "Swamp Angel" that she used in her former career as a juggler in a circus. The gun holds a different symbolic meaning for Nell and her daughter.

This book depicts the emotions of everyday people and shows how emotions can not only affect yourself but others around you. Overall the quality of the writing was very good. The book leaves alot of questions unanswered though.