The Road to Goderich - by Linda McQuaig (Paperback)

About the Book

"In rural Scotland in the 1830s, fifteen-year-old Callandra is devastated by her father's unexpected death. To save her family from destitution, she reluctantly agrees to marry Norbert Scott, a clergyman from a wealthy Glasgow family. But when her new husband and family turn out to be cruel and disdainful toward her, Callandra's only solace in their cold, cavernous mansion is her close friendship with a household servant, Lottie. Callandra faces more personal upheaval when her husband accepts a posting as a clergyman in the remote town of Goderich in Upper Canada. Thankfully, Lottie will accompany them to their new home, but so will her brother Sam, a carpenter whom Callandra mistrusts. After a perilous journey, they are greeted warmly by the townsfolk of Goderich, who are particularly delighted when their new pastor stands up for them in defiance of the hated colonial authorities. But an unintentional lie spins into a web of deceit. As the sparks of rebellion flare, there are growing suspicions about the town's charismatic new clergyman that threaten to destroy the fragile happiness Callandra has unexpectedly found."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A tale of love, deception, and betrayal unfolds against the backdrop of the 1837 rebellion in Upper Canada.

In rural Scotland in the 1830s, fifteen-year-old Callandra is devastated by her father's unexpected death. To save her family from destitution, she reluctantly agrees to marry Norbert Scott, a clergyman from a wealthy Glasgow family. But when her new husband and family turn out to be cruel and disdainful toward her, Callandra's only solace in their cold, cavernous mansion is her close friendship with a household servant, Lottie.

Callandra faces more personal upheaval when her husband accepts a posting as a clergyman in the remote town of Goderich in Upper Canada. Thankfully, Lottie will accompany them to their new home, but so will her brother Sam, a carpenter whom Callandra mistrusts. After a perilous journey, they are greeted warmly by the townsfolk of Goderich, who are particularly delighted when their new pastor stands up for them in defiance of the hated colonial authorities.

But an unintentional lie spins into a web of deceit. As the sparks of rebellion flare, there are growing suspicions about the town's charismatic new clergyman that threaten to destroy the fragile happiness Callandra has unexpectedly found.

Review Quotes

This novel is wonderfully told with remarkable characters, an engaging plot, page-turning tension and a deep understanding of the political history of the period and locale. Highly recommended.

What an extraordinary moment for Linda McQuaig's new novel to revisit the rebellion of 1837, Canada's historic uprising in the name of sovereignty from a foreign empire. Someone should read it to Donald Trump. Her deft exploration of the private and public fabric of that era would've delighted readers on its own. Its poignant resonance with events today is a bonus.

A page turner. Written with a spare style and fitting together like a complex puzzle, the unexpected turns, excitement, and realistic dialogue authentically capture Scotland and Upper Canada in the 1830s.

I loved this book. Set in Upper Canada in the 1830s, it's the fascinating tale of Scottish immigrants trying to navigate tumultuous church divisions and a mounting rebellion. At the centre is a love story, imperiled by misunderstandings, poor choices, social rigidity, and chance. Attempting to save their union, the lovers seek safety in deceit.

Known for her journalism and books about the distribution of power and wealth, McQuaig's first work of fiction (inspired by the 1982 film The Return of Martin Guerre and Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace) takes place in Upper Canada on the eve of the 1837 rebellions.

Linda McQuaig's tale of early Canada is deeply researched and beautifully depicted, with descriptions so unsettling as to mesmerize.

Readers familiar with McQuaig's non-fiction will recognize her clear prose, stiletto wit, and passion for social justice. But in the realm of fiction, her palette is darker and her subject deeply sensual. McQuaig evokes pinpoints of civilization amid the looming forests of 19th century Upper Canada with the authority of an eyewitness. The Road to Goderich is a compelling tale, operatic in scope, of romance, political struggle, deception, and desire.

This novel is wonderfully told with remarkable characters, an engaging plot, page-turning tension and a deep understanding of the political history of the period and locale. Highly recommended.

-- "The Miramichi Reader"

What an extraordinary moment for Linda McQuaig's new novel to revisit the rebellion of 1837, Canada's historic uprising in the name of sovereignty from a foreign empire. Someone should read it to Donald Trump. Her deft exploration of the private and public fabric of that era would've delighted readers on its own. Its poignant resonance with events today is a bonus.

-- "Rick Salutin, playwright, novelist, columnist"

Known for her journalism and books about the distribution of power and wealth, McQuaig's first work of fiction (inspired by the 1982 film The Return of Martin Guerre and Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace) takes place in Upper Canada on the eve of the 1837 rebellions.-- "Globe and Mail"

A page turner. Written with a spare style and fitting together like a complex puzzle, the unexpected turns, excitement, and realistic dialogue authentically capture Scotland and Upper Canada in the 1830s.-- "Gordon Laxer, author of After the Sands"

I loved this book. Set in Upper Canada in the 1830s, it's the fascinating tale of Scottish immigrants trying to navigate tumultuous church divisions and a mounting rebellion. At the centre is a love story, imperiled by misunderstandings, poor choices, social rigidity, and chance. Attempting to save their union, the lovers seek safety in deceit.-- "Barbara Nichol, author of Beethoven Lives Upstairs"

Linda McQuaig's tale of early Canada is deeply researched and beautifully depicted, with descriptions so unsettling as to mesmerize.-- "Linda Spalding, award-winning author of the The Purchase"

Readers familiar with McQuaig's non-fiction will recognize her clear prose, stiletto wit, and passion for social justice. But in the realm of fiction, her palette is darker and her subject deeply sensual. McQuaig evokes pinpoints of civilization amid the looming forests of 19th century Upper Canada with the authority of an eyewitness. The Road to Goderich is a compelling tale, operatic in scope, of romance, political struggle, deception, and desire.-- "David Macfarlane, author of The Danger Tree"

About the Author

Linda McQuaig is an award-winning investigative journalist, a Toronto Star columnist, and the author of eight non-fiction national bestsellers. The Road to Goderich is her first foray into fiction. She lives in Toronto.