Hey there, the location of this next book is definitely a place to visit, especially if you’re sweltering in the New Zealand heat! This particular book is set in Newfoundland at the turn of the twentieth century and features a rather large and imposing figure of a dog. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!!
Title: Star in the storm
Author: Joan Hiatt Harlow
Genre: Fiction – historical
Publication details: Aladdin Paperbacks; NY, 2001
ISBN: 9781416905301
What this book is about: The year is 1912. Twelve-year-old Maggie Wells lives in the port village of Bonnie bay in Newfoundland, where a statute has been passed outlawing all non-shepherding dogs. Maggie swears she’ll protect her beloved Newfoundland dog; Sirius, by hiding him if she must. Sirius is named after the brightest star in the sky, which is in the constellation of Canis Major – the Great Dog – and he more than lives up to his name. He hauls firewood across the frozen bay to keep Maggie’s family warm in the winter. He helps Pa fish in the cold Atlantic Ocean. And he saves Maggie when she’s stranded near an iceberg. Sirius is an invaluable member of the Well’s family, worth protecting at all costs. So when a terrific gale strikes the Newfoundland coast, forcing a steamer with one hundred people on board to flounder, Maggie must make the hardest decision of her young life. She knows that her strong, brave dog can help the people on that steamer, but will bringing him out of hiding risk his life? Based on true stories about Newfoundland dogs, Star in the storm is filled with dramas, tension, and exciting rescues that will keep readers engrossed from start to finish. This heartwarming story of a lovable dog and his feisty mistress will find fans everywhere.
My review: I love stories based on true events. This time it’s soon after the tragic Titanic sinking in Newfoundland, the closest landmass to that site. I love how the setting and language reflect the time period and especially love the characters, human and dogs!! Joan Hiatt Harlow’s very first novel from 2000, gives a very good story with an insight to the type of historical reads she will go on to write. Some really good writing and lovable characters. I especially liked her use of imagery throughout the story and her description of the coastline and nature of Newfoundland during the turn of the century as technology began. You can tell that she had undertaken a lot of research. If you enjoy learning about different countries and their history like me, then have a go at this one! It won’t disappoint!!
My rating: 5 ⭐
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 