One For Sorrow- Mary C. Sheppard

One For Sorrow is one of the most delightful books I have read in a long time. It is part of a series of novels called Tales from Cook’s Cove, which take place in Newfoundland in, I believe, the 1960’s. In many cases, this might place a novel like this out of our reader’s experience and level of interest. I do not believe this is true of this novel. Although the time frame is, indeed, somewhat distant, the coming-of-age of Issy is still very relevant. A mean, bed-ridden mother, a bitter older sister and a kindly, but absent father means that Issy’s life is not very comfortable. To compound her trials, her dream of escaping her small community to make her way in the big city is almost out of her reach as she has never learned to read. Issy has many coping skills to endure her drawbacks and keeps potential friends, in particular, Wish, at bay. His persistence in caring about her and finally a recognition of her disability and some long-awaited help, begins to turn the tide for Issy. The ending is satisfying but not contrived. This is a very real young woman with real problems which she learns to overcome.

Although I have not yet read the others, as an adult reader, I look forward to more of them. This is most suitable for older elementary students as well as high school. Hats off to a fine Canadian author!