Disappeared: Stories from the Coast of Newfoundland

by Eric Colbourne

Eric Colbourne brings us a compilation of stories set in the period from the 1880s to the early 1960s before the precipitous decline of small coastal communities in Newfoundland. The stories are told without nostalgia but with the realism that comes from having grown up in a community and in a province before the age of television, medicare and modern transportation. "In Disappeared, Eric Colbourne takes us on a fascinating journey through the history, folklore, and custom of a Newfoundland island outport. His sweep is broad encompassing chapters on home remedies, schooling, tragedy and adventure, and the battle fronts of the First World War. What unites these pages is a love of place and people and the truly impressive craft of the writing." - Paul Butler, author of Titanic Ashes

154 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2012

Reviews

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book about Newfoundland. It is a collection of short stories that the author has gathered from around the island. He tells us about young boys joining up, going to war, and dying on the battle fields. He tells about local remedies that are taken to cleanse the body and cure every ill. The sad story of the fisheries and life changing from outports to bigger communities, and how sons inherit their father’s life all too young are told. It is the story of the island- well written in short little clips. I enjoyed this group of stories.

[Bigdaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Various short stories from Newfoundland including WWI, outport life and lost souls. Some riveting stories and some stories that are a little bland. However it is quite a pleasant read.