Twenty-One Ways to Die in Saskatchewan

by R.E. Stansfield

In this poignant collection of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry, Nova Scotian author R.E. Stansfield reflects on growing up on the Prairies while exploring, both metaphorically and physically, the many ways we "die." From the young boy called to the principal?s office, to the immigrant adolescent confronted by schoolyard bullies, to the grandfather haunted by the German soldier he killed, to the Cree truckdriver hauling nuclear material, Stansfield brings to life those soul-crushing events we all experience, sometimes leading to redemption and rebirth.

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Olivia Raiche-tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always happy to try out a book by a local author (Maritimes is great, Nova Scotia even better.)

There was definitely a spark of something great in these stories, but I found that the book as a whole could have used some editing with a finer-toothed comb. There were sentences that ran on a bit too long, and some of the stories dragged in the middle.

[Sebastian Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like Always Brave, Sometimes Kind, Stansfield creates miniature worlds in each short work, completely drawing the reader in. Each way we "die" is unique and interesting, and lends a good perspective on life in the prairies.

[R. E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully eclectic collection of short stories and poetry interwoven into a tapestry of life on the Canadian prairies. Loved it!