Book review: Arran to Canada – One Way

Contributed by Voice Reporter

Although this book has adorned Arran bookshelves for a long time, a little bit of local history now, by itself, it deserves a closer  look. It sails through the centuries giving us a sense of connection with the islanders of the past. It’s full of those names familiar still on the island, and its title hides its breadth…  much more in there than ‘Arran To Canada – One Way.’

It jumps right in, explaining from the beginning the well thought out intricacies of the run rig system, and the misinformed opinion the ruling class had of the islanders and their simple way of life.  It points out the first winters in Lac Joseph were survived largely because of the friendly mutual respect shown between the settlers and the Abenaki people, which ended, largely, in sad sickness and betrayal.

Overall the strength and determination of those families who took the voyage over the years is clear as the book moves through time and over oceans, as the stench of politics reaches the shores of this peaceful place for the first time, and the island changes forever.

The author, James Henderson, has brought together memories, photographs and documents with the valuable help of those families and friends and their Canadian descendants. A must for anyone who enjoys local history.

Arran to Canada – One Way is for sale at The Wee Bookshop, in Corrie.

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