Drownproofing

by Karen Lea Armstrong

As a longtime maternity nurse at a Northern Ontario hospital, Bets has experienced the daily creation of new families. Yet this sixty-something “matriarch” of the hospital has only experienced personal loss; most recently, her husband Raz. When she meets Hannah, a high-school student who wants to learn about nursing, Bets enjoys sharing stories of her work, never suspecting the new direction their lives will take.As Drownproofing unfolds from present to past and back again, the complexity of Bets’ own family story is slowly revealed. She’s confronted with tough choices that challenge her outlook on life and her definition of family. A compelling and emotional read, author Karen Lea Armstrong drew from her career as a family physician to tell this story with striking depth and drama.

276 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2023

Reviews

[Jodee Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absorbing story that tugs at the heart-strings. It brings to life a behind the scenes look at the medical world using the voice of an engaging character who works as a maternity nurse. I love how it explored complicated relationships. Definitely worthwhile reading.

[Steve Authier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people read novels for the stories. I read them with an interest in characters, characters with depth. Bets, a longtime maternity nurse, is one of the better developed characters I've read in a while. Armstrong does a great job of letting us discover all that lies behind the difficult choices Bets is faced with. We're pulled into Bets' story by who she is, not necessarily by what's happening in her life, though that makes for a good read too. I don't want to discount that story matters. Armstrong gives us a strong story with characters that keep us wanting to learn more.

Armstrong is a gifted writer. This is evident within the first few chapters. She pulls us into her story with her powerful character development but also with the way her prose seems poetic without being overly done. Little makes me put a book down more than writing that seems forced and unnatural.

Even though I had little interest in learning about nursing or life in Northern Ontario, I quickly became immersed in Bets' journey.

[Alex Ciccone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really heartwarming read, full of life, laughter, loss and northern culture. A northern maternity ward nurse tells stories of her life through the mechanism of speaking with a young highschooler who is interested in becoming a nurse herself. Easily the best book I've read in the past year, and I am excited for more to come!

While the story focuses on Bets, the maternity nurse, it also follows the life of the Hannah, who is still in highschool and looking to become a nurse. In that sense, it has some really nice coming-of-age elements which are frankly all too rare for female protagonists.

[Lucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drownproofing is a captivating story of an experienced Maternity nurse who finds a surprising connection with a young high school student looking for guidance on what it takes to be a nurse in Northern Ontario. The student / teacher relationship quickly turns to mentorship and develops into a friendship that both characters grow to need more than either realized. Beautifully written, this book kept me interested in each character and storyline so much so that I am hopeful there will be a sequel…

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heartwrenching and beautiful and sweet and also had a dose or two of humour. I read it so quickly and wanted more. I will definitely keep my eye out for more books from this author. I'm glad that a friend recommended the book to me. Definitely worth the read!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book written by a local author! A peek into the world of maternity nursing in Northern Ontario.

[Ann B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried, I laughed, I cried again...but most of all, I connected. Just read it! ❤️

[Julia Pigeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I enjoyed how the author told stories from both the past and present to bring about colour and shape to the characters.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written by a local author who made so many fun references to the Northern Ontario that I know and love that it kinda felt like a treasure hunt within a book.