• [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mary of the Woods" by Charles Theriault.]

5 out of 5 stars

"Mary of the Woods" by Charles Theriault tells the story of a young Acadian girl, a Mi'kmaq warrior, and a persistent family who embark on a journey of survival and unity, braving the relentless onslaught of greed and cruelty inflicted by the British. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous time in Canadian history, the author masterfully weaves a tale of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

Mary's story was like a wild river, full of twists and turns that tugged at my heartstrings. As I followed her journey through a world of cruelty and greed, I couldn't help but be moved by the changes that rocked the lives of the people in Atlantic Canada. I have always had an interest in historical events around the world, so I was quite familiar with the historical context of the Great Acadian Expulsion. I've heard both French and English perspectives passed down through generations, but this book gave me a unique and eye-opening view of the events. From the vivid writing and engaging characters to the authentic portrayal of time and place, this book was an absolute delight to read. I was fully immersed in the story. The writing was engaging; it also imparted valuable knowledge. One thing I learned, especially from the character of John, was that life can be so unpredictable. Some things happen beyond our control, and if by any chance we get a second shot, we should grab it. 

I love the author's attention to the strength and power of the female characters. Plus, this book has no notable negatives, so I rate it a 5 out of 5. I must commend the author because, while this book begins from two different perspectives, they skillfully weave these two narratives together, creating a powerful and unified perspective that adds depth and meaning to the story. I highly recommend this book to history buffs.