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Loggers' Daughters
It is 1983. On the streets of Vancouver women's libbers are marching. In the forests of the northern interior a tapped out logging contractor is slowly going broke. Down the road, on a small stump ranch, Adare and Dave Wilkins face the fact that they have given the best years of their lives to a farm that can never support them. In a tumultuous time, when ancient values are being put to the test and found wanting, a scattered family is forced into an uneasy proximity by the need to make end-of-life decisions for their dying mother. Exploring the forces that shape individuals, families and communities Loggers' Daughters weaves the story of one logging family onto the tapestry of the industry that built British Columbia.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2013
92 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Brownlee
3 books7 followersMaureen Brownlee was born and raised on the western slope of the northern Rockies in British Columbia, Canada.
A former journalist, Brownlee started writing fiction as a child, on a manual typewriter with sticky keys in the cubbyhole behind the post office in her parents' tiny general store. In her twenties she paid monthly instalments for a home study writing course and wrote a handful of unpublished children’s stories. Then life intervened and she learned how to write about other topics during a decade spent running a weekly newspaper. After selling the newspaper in 1994, she moved to a small farm and spent the next fifteen years building fences, working at assorted day jobs, taking university courses by correspondence, and learning how to write fiction.
Her writing education has included workshops at Island Mountain School of the Arts, Fernie Writers Conference, and Sage Hill Writing Experience. Additionally she studied English and Creative Writing at B.C.’s Open University and the University of Northern British Columbia.
When not writing, Maureen gardens, growing much of her own food, runs for the fun of it, dabbles at the guitar and pencil sketching, and reads, reads, reads.
She lives on a farm near Valemount, British Columbia on the traditional territory of the LLheidli T’enneh and Simpcw First Nations.
A former journalist, Brownlee started writing fiction as a child, on a manual typewriter with sticky keys in the cubbyhole behind the post office in her parents' tiny general store. In her twenties she paid monthly instalments for a home study writing course and wrote a handful of unpublished children’s stories. Then life intervened and she learned how to write about other topics during a decade spent running a weekly newspaper. After selling the newspaper in 1994, she moved to a small farm and spent the next fifteen years building fences, working at assorted day jobs, taking university courses by correspondence, and learning how to write fiction.
Her writing education has included workshops at Island Mountain School of the Arts, Fernie Writers Conference, and Sage Hill Writing Experience. Additionally she studied English and Creative Writing at B.C.’s Open University and the University of Northern British Columbia.
When not writing, Maureen gardens, growing much of her own food, runs for the fun of it, dabbles at the guitar and pencil sketching, and reads, reads, reads.
She lives on a farm near Valemount, British Columbia on the traditional territory of the LLheidli T’enneh and Simpcw First Nations.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 20, 2013
This book has it all: an interesting thought-provoking story, believable characters that we care about, and an exceptional writing style with clear, creative descriptions. Brownlee addresses a number of difficult issues in a down-to-earth style (much like the characters in the book). While describing the struggles and joys of life in the resource industry in the wilds of northern BC, the book explores the complexity of family relationships and “women’s place” in society during the early 1980’s. It follows one woman’s journey as her life circumstances force her to choose between standing up for her rights or giving up a life she has grown to love.
October 13, 2024
This book was so so so good. As a farmer's daughter I saw so much of my mom in Adare, and myself in her daughter Brianne. The story was well written, made me laugh out loud a few times, and shake my head at others, knowing all too well the stubbornness of a calving heifer or a high strung horse like those in the book. I loved that this book is local to BC, and I spent a good deal of time trying to figure out which real place it was written about. I'll be recommending this book to many people I'm sure.
December 29, 2013
Here, a part of history is brought to life, and though so many things have changed over the years I realized, in this reading, much has not.
The story takes us back to a harsher time where livelihoods and women's rights could be disrupted or altered day to day. It takes us into the home and history of a family that, with all its conflicts and convictions, is not so different from many families today.
For me, a good story offers entertainment, education and a desire for more. When the last page was turned I was not ready to say goodbye.
The story takes us back to a harsher time where livelihoods and women's rights could be disrupted or altered day to day. It takes us into the home and history of a family that, with all its conflicts and convictions, is not so different from many families today.
For me, a good story offers entertainment, education and a desire for more. When the last page was turned I was not ready to say goodbye.
February 13, 2014
Loved the book. It was a good read, very hard to put down. I recommend this book to everyone
January 31, 2014
(I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.) This book drew me into the main character completely. I think we can all relate to Adare: we all have something we are passionate about; we all have something that we find solace in to escape life however briefly; a parent's concern for his/her child; a child's concern for his/her parent; uncovering past secrets (whether the issues can be researched to find closure, or finding a way to come to terms with the fact that some things just “are”); most of us have someone in our family (male or female) who has a “Nancy“ frame of mind that we must come to terms with.....these are some of the themes of this book. You can read the book as escapism or, on a deeper level, recognize situations that you have been through/are going through. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read!
February 17, 2014
Not being a habitual reader of fiction, I was a bit hesitant in opening Loggers' Daughters. But, with only a few pages turned, it was apparent that Maureen Brownlee would hold my interest with her captivating writing style. In my view, the composition covered two story-lines. One line being the Brennan families struggle with themselves and the rural life-style they seemed to love and hate at the same time. The other story-line being the quest for female recognition and equality by a maturing, raised in the country, daughter who fiercely pursued her beliefs.
A minor stumbling block, for this reader, was a rather slow understanding of how, and where, each character fit into the story. Once that was established it was a smooth and eventful read. Loggers' Daughters is a recommended title for a broad range of reader interests.
A minor stumbling block, for this reader, was a rather slow understanding of how, and where, each character fit into the story. Once that was established it was a smooth and eventful read. Loggers' Daughters is a recommended title for a broad range of reader interests.
August 24, 2023
an amazing book set in the rural area surrounding my home about logging/ farming in rural bc and about women’s lib. very well written and emotional, able to relate to the characters and understand each one
July 26, 2018
Really enjoyed this novel set in the forest of the Rocky Mountain trench. Reminds me of much beloved novels of Margaret Laurence. Canadian woman. Hope to read more from this author.
April 20, 2025
This was an enjoyable read - love that it is set in British Columbia
August 9, 2016
Original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I was pretty excited to start this read as it takes place in Canada and was written by a Canadian author and I love to discover new authors from my own country.
This story was not quite what I expected nor did it really live up to the synopsis that was provided. In order to provide some constructive criticism I would recommend changing the synopsis of the book to better reflect the storyline. For example, it mentions making end of life decisions for their dying mother as a central point of the story. This happens at the beginning of the book. I also think the title of the book misrepresents the story as the story focuses around Adare who is only one daughter. The story does venture briefly towards her daughter towards the end of the book however not enough to justify the books title in my opinion.
This was a slow read. The first three quarters of the book were slow before finally picking up towards the end. It was confusing in parts as I found the transition between the present and the reminiscing of the past was not very clean and obvious. I found myself re-reading sentences numerous times as I could not tell where the story went or I thought I had missed a page. This impacted my ability to enjoy the read.
The above points aside, once you got past these items the story did eventually peak my interest towards the end. For those that can get through the beginning they are rewarded. It profiles the life of the families of loggers in British Columbia and their hardships. It also takes us on a journey towards healing as the character's, mainly Adare, comes to terms with her demons and the skeletons in her families closet.
All in all I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book I just wish that it was not so much work for me
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I was pretty excited to start this read as it takes place in Canada and was written by a Canadian author and I love to discover new authors from my own country.
This story was not quite what I expected nor did it really live up to the synopsis that was provided. In order to provide some constructive criticism I would recommend changing the synopsis of the book to better reflect the storyline. For example, it mentions making end of life decisions for their dying mother as a central point of the story. This happens at the beginning of the book. I also think the title of the book misrepresents the story as the story focuses around Adare who is only one daughter. The story does venture briefly towards her daughter towards the end of the book however not enough to justify the books title in my opinion.
This was a slow read. The first three quarters of the book were slow before finally picking up towards the end. It was confusing in parts as I found the transition between the present and the reminiscing of the past was not very clean and obvious. I found myself re-reading sentences numerous times as I could not tell where the story went or I thought I had missed a page. This impacted my ability to enjoy the read.
The above points aside, once you got past these items the story did eventually peak my interest towards the end. For those that can get through the beginning they are rewarded. It profiles the life of the families of loggers in British Columbia and their hardships. It also takes us on a journey towards healing as the character's, mainly Adare, comes to terms with her demons and the skeletons in her families closet.
All in all I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book I just wish that it was not so much work for me
April 25, 2018
I couldn't put down this beautiful, mesmerizing tale that merges past and present to tell the story of the hard-done-by protagonist Adare Wilkins. I loved Loggers' Daughters for its heart, tenacity and truth. Life is tenuous in the BC Interior. Things held dear are easily lost: a young man to a falling log, a mill to changing times, a farm to a will that was never written. Through it all stands the stoic protagonist, Adare, a reluctant farmer on the brink of losing her farm, and her home.
There was no will, and there is no money. The book exploits the makings of an impossible situation reminiscent of Andre Dubus III's riveting House of Sand and Fog. Adare's three siblings are clamoring to sell the farm in the wake of their mother's death. The only reason the farm is still afloat is that her husband works for her brother's business, which is overdrawn. Far away in the city, Adare's daughter Brianne is marching for women's rights, helping women flee their abusive men, and getting arrested for civil disobedience. When Adare goes to Vancouver to bail her daughter out from jail, she realizes the world is changing, and she has rights. This time, will she take a stand?
This rare, visceral book makes you feel the cold mountain air; the harshness and the glory of farm life; and the fragile love between mothers and daughters. Between its pages you'll catch glimpses of another world; a way of life that is already vanishing, even as we blink. The only flaw of this masterful story is that it ends too soon.
There was no will, and there is no money. The book exploits the makings of an impossible situation reminiscent of Andre Dubus III's riveting House of Sand and Fog. Adare's three siblings are clamoring to sell the farm in the wake of their mother's death. The only reason the farm is still afloat is that her husband works for her brother's business, which is overdrawn. Far away in the city, Adare's daughter Brianne is marching for women's rights, helping women flee their abusive men, and getting arrested for civil disobedience. When Adare goes to Vancouver to bail her daughter out from jail, she realizes the world is changing, and she has rights. This time, will she take a stand?
This rare, visceral book makes you feel the cold mountain air; the harshness and the glory of farm life; and the fragile love between mothers and daughters. Between its pages you'll catch glimpses of another world; a way of life that is already vanishing, even as we blink. The only flaw of this masterful story is that it ends too soon.
January 7, 2015
I've been wanting to read some good BC fiction and I'm quite happy I found this book. Engrossing, and stimulating.
As someone who grew up with no other houses in sight and also lived in downtown Vancouver, I really appreciate anything that competently mixes the urban and rural. I was nervous after reading the back cover, worried that the the mention of 'libbers' might just mean there were a few passing jabs, but thankfully, there is full treatment given to feminism. The pace worked really well for me. I would definitely recommend the book and would love to hear any recommendations along the same lines.
I did have a bit of trouble remembering who was who, even though I read the book in less than 10 days. Having said that though, HUGE bonus points for the last page of the book, where the author tells you the liberties she took and what was factual.
As someone who grew up with no other houses in sight and also lived in downtown Vancouver, I really appreciate anything that competently mixes the urban and rural. I was nervous after reading the back cover, worried that the the mention of 'libbers' might just mean there were a few passing jabs, but thankfully, there is full treatment given to feminism. The pace worked really well for me. I would definitely recommend the book and would love to hear any recommendations along the same lines.
I did have a bit of trouble remembering who was who, even though I read the book in less than 10 days. Having said that though, HUGE bonus points for the last page of the book, where the author tells you the liberties she took and what was factual.
February 28, 2015
Loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews