5.0 out of 5 stars
The history came alive for me, December 7, 2011
This review is from: A Travel in Time to Grand Pré: Second Edition (Paperback)
After reading A TRAVEL IN TIME TO GRAND PRE, I feel like I have just been on a wild ride of discovery; not only were
there tantalizing historical facts that gave flesh to the saga of the plight of the Acadians and the rich history of this area, but the wealth of metaphysical information was, at times, overwhelming. This book has affected me in a way that is hard to explain. Suffice it to say that as one who has recently made it a priority in their life to seek The Answer, The Truth, The Explanation of Who We Are and Why We Are Here, I was finding all kinds of answers and leads to the next potential discovery. In addition to the history of the Acadians, Madeleine and Michel felt like actual living characters to me. I enjoyed the information that, no doubt, includes this author's own family history. An excellent read. Five stars all the way!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Historians: This Might Be Your Next Must-Read!, August 10, 2010
This review is from: A Travel in Time to Grand Pré: Second Edition (Paperback)
A Travel in Time to Grand Pre by Michele Doucette was not in the least what I was expecting. Instead, it is a unique, fascinating plunge into history! It also explores genealogy, Biblical archaeology, metaphysics, and, most importantly, the French Acadians. I can guarantee that, for millions of people who may read this book, there will be information never heard before! Perhaps disturbing information; readers may automatically discount it or may willingly explore the extensively researched documentation. For this book is not just a novel, it is an exploration of the past sometimes dating back as early as 400 AD.
There is also mention of current DNA testing as it is used to prove and rewrite history... Do we dare to explore the possibilities of changing well-known beliefs? If you are willing, then this book should be considered a must-read.
It is rare for a reviewer to be able to say, "now where does the story really begin?" But that must be said! Can you go directly to the story without having been "set" into the historical significance of the story as has been done? Could I start on page 48 where there is a Special Message from Madeline Sinclair. Yes, now that I've read the earlier pages, perhaps I should begin there, for it is when Madeline Sinclair pays a visit to the statue of Longfellow's Evangeline, on August 15, 2005, after she had eaten traditional Acadian dishes in keeping with the Acadian Day celebration. It was also the day before Madeline would celebrate her 26th birthday, and where she began crying, not knowing why.
Was it the Dandelion wine? Whatever it was, she became afraid, there at the base of the statue, as she fought her dizziness and nausea...
Madeline opened her eyes on her birthday on August 16, 1754. The statue of Evangeline was gone as was everything else that had surrounded her at the Acadian celebration. It was in an ancient church that she met Madame Peche, another time traveler...
And so it began, Madeline had not left Grand Pre, except in time... It was her destiny; she had been brought to that place at that time for a specific reason. Madeline was astonished as Madame Peche told her all about herself, even to the point of knowing that she had a birthmark. It looked like a Templar cross. Madame Peche explained that "that, in and of itself, makes you the one."
And so it was that Madeline began the life of those living during the year 1754. They hid her backpack which had come across time with her and Madeline began to learn about everything that was happening.
She also soon met Michel. Fortunately she found him to her liking, because he was to become her husband, and there was much to learn and do... Before they both returned...
Dare you learn what it is they brought back to the 21st century?
Michele Doucette has weaved an amazing tale. Perhaps you have read or heard of similar stories where two individuals meet from different times and fall in love. It is indeed somewhat of a simple love story...except...
You will also learn about the tragedy of the Acadian people when they refused to change their allegiance... and of so much more! I think one of the key issues of the book is that there is so much historical documentation provided in support of the story. Is it an alternative historical tale, perhaps fantasy based upon history, or the work of a research historian who has merged all of her research to arrive at a potential "new truth"?
Now matter your final conclusion, A Travel in Time to Grande Pre by Michele Doucette is unlike anything I've ever read. And, in that, she has forced me to remember and to dwell upon her words often. Very unique; I've said before...I like unique...I hope my review helps you decide to read the book and decide for yourself!
Book Provided
By Author
G. A. Bixler
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Transported by A Travel in Time to Grand Pre, May 2, 2010
This review is from: A Travel in Time to Grand Pré: Second Edition (Paperback)
Along with the story's heroine, Madeleine Sinclair, I was transported from the present to a time when the Acadian people stood on the brink of their own tragic destiny, and through Michele Doucette's journalistic artistry, was able to visualize that painful and wrenching experience known as the Grand Deportation through Madeleine's eyes. Ms. Doucette's latest work, A Travel in Time to Grand Pre, offers a rare combination of fact and fantasy -- and the line between that which may be referenced in the sources cited by the author and that which can only be imagined grows more and more undefined as the story develops. I appreciated the author's attention to the historical basis of her story, as Ms. Doucette referenced the time line and genealogies that underscored the drama that played out among her characters. Ms. Doucette's outreach to those who long to learn more about the intriguing associations offered by history among the Knights Templar, the Mi'kmaq, and the Acadian people -- and the power of the spirit - makes for a splendid and enticing reading experience.
Marie Rundquist, Author, Revisiting Anne Marie: How an Amerindian Woman of Seventeenth-Century Nova Scotia and a DNA Match Redefine American Heritage (2009) and "Finding Anne Marie" (2006)
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