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The Promised Land
Over the centuries a variety of colourful settlers have washed up on the shores of Cape Breton Island in search of a promised land; French, English, Irish, Highland Scots. In 1970 a small group of hippies arrive in pursuit of their dream, hopelessly unequipped to meet the challenges of farming the rocking land. Then, early in the new millennium, a financially encumbered medical doctor coaxes her asthmatic old K-Car across the Canso Causeway to take up her first job at the small clinic in the tourist village of Baddeck.
238 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 12, 2016
I was drawn to the premise of this novel after learning it had won the 2014 Stephen Leacock Award for Humour. However, tracking down a copy proved to be somewhat of a challenge. The city library didn’t have it, and neither did the big box bookstore. Eventually I found and ordered a copy online … and Canada Post promptly lost it. Three weeks later I discovered it stuffed into my community mailbox so tightly I had to mangle the package in order to pry it out of the slot. But it was well worth it. This novel is an enchanting treasure. The storytelling is remarkable, the characters endearing and spirited. A refreshing and hilarious, feel-good read. Why aren’t more people --especially Canadians -- reading this novel? It deserves a broader endorsement.
May 27, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, I felt like I would love to join this fictional community were everyone watches out and cares for their neighbours. The story is quite nostalgic, bringing back great memories of simpler times.
Having visited Cape Breton I definitely could envision these characters existing there and through the wonderful story telling skills of the author it was a real pleasurable read getting to know and embrace these folks!!
Wonderful story telling and balm to soothe the soul
Having visited Cape Breton I definitely could envision these characters existing there and through the wonderful story telling skills of the author it was a real pleasurable read getting to know and embrace these folks!!
Wonderful story telling and balm to soothe the soul
November 19, 2024
4.2
For November, our Book Club chose The Promised Land: a novel of Cape Breton by Bill Conall. In 1970 a small group of hippies arrive in Cape Breton in pursuit of their dream, hopelessly unprepared to meet the challenges of farming the rocky land. Then, early in the new millennium, a financially-encumbered medical doctor coaxes her old K-car across the Canso Causeway to take up her first job in the small clinic in the tourist village of Baddeck.
Bill Conall’s The Promised Land skillfully and humourusly navigates the ebb and flow of island life where things go from bad to worse. And all the while, he shares his characters’ belief that “They’re all good days if we’re here to see them.”
4.2 stars
For November, our Book Club chose The Promised Land: a novel of Cape Breton by Bill Conall. In 1970 a small group of hippies arrive in Cape Breton in pursuit of their dream, hopelessly unprepared to meet the challenges of farming the rocky land. Then, early in the new millennium, a financially-encumbered medical doctor coaxes her old K-car across the Canso Causeway to take up her first job in the small clinic in the tourist village of Baddeck.
Bill Conall’s The Promised Land skillfully and humourusly navigates the ebb and flow of island life where things go from bad to worse. And all the while, he shares his characters’ belief that “They’re all good days if we’re here to see them.”
4.2 stars
July 16, 2014
Alright, I've come to grips with the fact that my review is not going to do this book justice. The Promised land is a book about community on the shores of Cape Breton Island. It's an uplifting, humourous, and well crafted story that introduces you to a large cast of characters, all age ranges, and life circumstances. I found myself thinking - often, that I would really like to know these people and have them as neighbours. The final pages left me hoping there will be a sequel. Available in your libraries now.
July 24, 2014
I LOVE The Promised Land! It is a sweet, dear, real novel filled with gratitude and simple pleasures expressed throughout. It is an expression of things I have been worried humanity has forgotten, reading this novel is a pleasure. So much so that I don’t want it to end, so at some point I started limiting myself to one chapter a day to make it last longer. Now I m looking forward to reading it again!
October 21, 2014
Conall’s descriptions are completely vivid. One can clearly sense the sights and sounds he writes about here. But what is truly wonderful here is the way he captures complete personalities with his words, giving new insight to the Cape Breton region for all of us.
http://tinyurl.com/nkrqkdp
http://tinyurl.com/nkrqkdp
June 18, 2018
Having just spent a week in Cape Breton, I was amazed at how well the Bill Conall captures the essence of the people and their community life. The stories of the characters reflect the hardships and dreams of the early settlers and the generations that followed. I felt I was back in that magical place.
October 19, 2018
A nice Cape Breton book
A series of intertwined stories about people living in Cape Breton. The tone moved between funny, touching and sad, and heart warming. A pleasant read, am looking for more by this author.
A series of intertwined stories about people living in Cape Breton. The tone moved between funny, touching and sad, and heart warming. A pleasant read, am looking for more by this author.
November 20, 2018
This book made me nostalgic for 1970 days. I wanted to go Cape Breton with the hippies. Then the stories of the people. How absolutely wonderful. The funny moments. The sad moments.
July 3, 2020
My book club traditionally has a pool party in July and choose a lighter book than usual to discuss. We've decided against a physically distant pool party and will be meeting virtually, as we've been doing for several months.
In the interest of reading something Canadian, someone suggested we look at winners of the Stephen Leacock award, which is how we discovered this book. It was an excellent choice!
The first part is about a group of hippies who go to Cape Breton in 1970 with big dreams and not much else. In that sense, it was a lot like The Great Alone, the last book we discussed. But where The Great Alone is dark and even tragic, The Promised Land is humorous, even laugh-out-loud funny at times. Five stars to Part 1.
The second part of the book jumps ahead 40+ years to 2012. It takes place in the same small town, with many of the same characters, but I didn't enjoy this part nearly as much. It didn't feel very connected to the first part, and I had to keep flipping back to remind myself who people were. Three stars to Part 2.
On a personal note, some of the place names sounded familiar from when my father (who passed away two years ago) travelled to Cape Breton in 2013, and it made me interested in checking out his photos from that trip. That was nice.
In the interest of reading something Canadian, someone suggested we look at winners of the Stephen Leacock award, which is how we discovered this book. It was an excellent choice!
The first part is about a group of hippies who go to Cape Breton in 1970 with big dreams and not much else. In that sense, it was a lot like The Great Alone, the last book we discussed. But where The Great Alone is dark and even tragic, The Promised Land is humorous, even laugh-out-loud funny at times. Five stars to Part 1.
The second part of the book jumps ahead 40+ years to 2012. It takes place in the same small town, with many of the same characters, but I didn't enjoy this part nearly as much. It didn't feel very connected to the first part, and I had to keep flipping back to remind myself who people were. Three stars to Part 2.
On a personal note, some of the place names sounded familiar from when my father (who passed away two years ago) travelled to Cape Breton in 2013, and it made me interested in checking out his photos from that trip. That was nice.
May 13, 2015
It has been a long time since I have read a book that I enjoyed for the sheer joy of the character development...this one fits the bill perfectly. Not only are the people characters, but also the corner of Cape Breton where the action takes place.
I loved the description of the scenery, the lifestyle, the culture. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the jump forward in time. It felt too abrupt at the time even though the reader was able to adjust within a few pages. This is one area where the author might have re-considered.
That aside, I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has or hasn't visited Cape Breton. It makes you want to rush there at the earliest opportunity! You smile, you laugh, you cry as you read this heartfelt story of beautiful vignettes. The committee that awarded Bill Conall's novel with Stephen Leacock Award for Humour in 2014 made the perfect choice!
I look forward to Mr. Conall's next novel with joy.
I loved the description of the scenery, the lifestyle, the culture. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the jump forward in time. It felt too abrupt at the time even though the reader was able to adjust within a few pages. This is one area where the author might have re-considered.
That aside, I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has or hasn't visited Cape Breton. It makes you want to rush there at the earliest opportunity! You smile, you laugh, you cry as you read this heartfelt story of beautiful vignettes. The committee that awarded Bill Conall's novel with Stephen Leacock Award for Humour in 2014 made the perfect choice!
I look forward to Mr. Conall's next novel with joy.
July 24, 2014
I LOVE The Promised Land! It is a sweet, dear, real novel filled with gratitude and simple pleasures expressed throughout. It is an expression of things I have been worried humanity has forgotten, reading this novel is a pleasure. So much so that I don’t want it to end, so at some point I started limiting myself to one chapter a day to make it last longer. Now I m looking forward to reading it again!
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August 8, 2021Truly wonderful!
A heartfelt story, truly Canadian! I loved all of the characters and their quirky ways. As I read this book I felt I knew some of them personally. I found myself laughing out loud and then had tears in my eyes in the next moment. This is real life! Thank you!
A heartfelt story, truly Canadian! I loved all of the characters and their quirky ways. As I read this book I felt I knew some of them personally. I found myself laughing out loud and then had tears in my eyes in the next moment. This is real life! Thank you!
June 24, 2013
This book is terrific. Witty, easy reading, filled with characters that you'd like to call your friends. Another good "sit down and read awhile" book from one of my favourite authors.
July 4, 2014
If you are or, wish you were, a Cape Bretoner, you'll mightily enjoy this one!
January 24, 2015
A fine, gentle book filled with nice people and innocent humour. Well worth your time.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews