Review - The Last River Child by Lori Ann Bloomfield

A young woman struggles against a small town’s superstitious fears at the turn of the last century

In the summer of 1900 a meteorite lands on the day of Peg Staynor’s baptismal, barely missing the small church in rural Ontario. This, along with Peg’s almost colourless eyes, is enough to resurrect a local superstition that will haunt Peg and her family for years. Many believe Peg to be a “river child,” taken over by an evil spirit from the Magurvey river that winds its way through the town.

Feared and shunned throughout her childhood, Peg is blamed for every misfortune, from drought to ailing livestock. When her mother, her fiercest protector, dies suddenly on the same day WWI is declared, fourteen-year-old Peg must face not only the mistrust of the villagers, but of her father. His grief has driven him to take solace in drink and old superstition, leaving Peg with only her head-strong older sister for support.

It will take the terrible reality of the first World War to shake off the grip of old world beliefs. As the town’s young men begin to return mentally and physically damaged, or not return at all, the sheltered atmosphere of the town is broken. A bright flame of change will sweep through everyone’s lives, leading Peg into the future.

About the Author 

Lori grew up on a small farm in rural Ontario before moving to Toronto to be a starving artist. She was an overnight success. She went on to work as a jewelry designer before taking up her pen again, this time to write fiction. Lori currently lives with her husband in Toronto.

Lori is the host of the First Line blog, a source of inspiration for fiction writers.

My  Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was an easy read and the story that was told was interesting and kept me captivated through the whole book.  I wanted Peg to triumph over the naysayers in her small little town.  Peg seems to adapt to being an outcast.  She is a lovely person who's resilience is tested several times in her short life and each time, she faces challenges head on and comes out on top.  I have selected this book for my book club and I am looking forward to the response from my fellow members.  I would recommend this book to my fellow readers.  I believe that Lori Ann Bloomfield did a tremendous job in writing her first novel and I will be on the lookout for her future books.

Thank you to Annie Paikeday and Second Story Press for sending a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of my honest review.

# Paperback: 280 pages
# Publisher: Second Story Press
# Language: English
# ISBN 978-1-897187-66-1