Rooted and Remembered: A Novel

by C.J. Frederick

Betsy Jane Carruthers masterfully crafted bedtime stories for her grandchildren. Their favourite one just happened to be true.

The unusual tree with its crooked branches stands tall on the corner of a farm field in southern Ontario. How that buttonwood tree thrived so far away from the riverside is a bit of a miracle. But then, Betsy Jane always thought the same of Ellwyne, the mysterious boy from India who showed up at their farm in the winter of 1906.

Eleven-year-old Ellwyne knows what home is. The bridge his late father designed spanning the Hooghly River. Reading newspapers at his mother’s knee. Biting into a ripe mango from his grandmother’s garden. Home is British India, circa 1900. But after losing both his parents, his ties to home begin to unravel. To escape debt collectors, Ellwyne’s conniving yet charismatic stepfather steers Ellwyne and his half-sister across continents to the farming community of Ekfrid Township in Ontario, Canada landing right under the watchful and curious eyes of Betsy Jane and her husband James A. Ellwyne, the orphan who's mistreated by his stepfather, is so far from home he fears he may never find it again.

James A. and Betsy Jane Carruthers fell in love over a broken jar of beet relish at the Glencoe Fair and built a comfortable but humble existence based on the routines and chores of farm life. They are delighted when Ellwyne diligently shows up day after day for the exhausting, monotonous work, despite his lack of farm experience. While clearing a field for planting, Ellwyne is grateful when James A. agrees to provide respite for the lone buttonwood sapling, the teen sensing a kinship in its quiet strength through struggle.

At the homestead, toiling alongside his chosen family, Ellwyne's fortunes begin to improve. And then the outbreak of war an ocean away changes everything.

Genres: Historical Fiction

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2024

Reviews

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

All things grow, with nourishment. A seed, for example, has to overcome many odds to survive, including threats from herbivores, insects, and bacteria, while also competing for resources and sustenance. However, with time, sheer luck, and sometimes adequate protection, the seed germinates and sprouts and transforms into a tree, demonstrating the cogent symbol of renewal and regeneration.

In her book, “Rooted and Remembered” C.J. Frederick uses the powerful metaphor of a buttonwood tree that blossomed and grew in the most unlikely places after its seed was pushed into the ground under the hoof of a wandering deer. She employs this analogy in her coming-of-age tale that follows a young boy, Ellwyne, who endures many struggles to survive. Ellwyne was born in Calcutta, British India. At a young age, he lost his father to cholera, and his mother, Eliza, remarried Duff, a self-seeking, greedy man.

Unbeknownst to her, Eliza’s new husband saw her as a means to an end of the financial crisis he was facing at the time, owing to her large fortune which she inherited from her late husband. A few years later, the boy loses his mother, too, leaving him devastated. His life takes a new turn when his wily stepfather decides to leave India after accruing a huge gambling debt that sets him against debt collectors. Ellwyne’s already strained relationship with Duff adds to his trials and tribulations, with the plot following his journey from India to Ontario, Canada, where he finds solace and comfort, and a place to call home.

“Rooted and Remembered” is undeniably an absorbing and moral-minded text. Here, relationships are built and others are broken, as the book emphasizes spotlighting the thin line between good and evil. The author is strikingly descriptive in her writing, such as the history and culture of Canada and its geography, and when the Ballantynes take the treacherous voyage across the North Atlantic, marked by icy choppy seas and vicious storms. The book showcases a thorough portrayal of the period, with its discourse and exposition, a triumph on the author’s part.

As readers gain access to Ellwyne’s inner voice that explores his thoughts and emotions in depth, they’ll cheer him on as he proves indomitable in the face of incredible challenges. Just like the buttonwood tree clung to life, so does Ellwyne, putting forth an imminently powerful message that resonates within. The author allows extensive time for building the supporting characters, such as Betsy Jane and her husband James, the loving couple instrumental in changing the trajectory of Ellwyne’s life. Relevant themes abound, with resilience being the main theme here.

C.J. Frederick has written a captivating novel that will leave an indelible mark on people. The book’s strength lies in its sublime prose that immerses the reader in the story and makes for the ultimate payoff. “Rooted and Remembered” will enthrall readers who enjoy historical fiction stories and leave a lasting impact.

[Anne Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Rooted and Remembered - a wonderful tale of resilience and survival based on the true story of Ellwyne Ballantyne's fascinating life and adventures that spanned the globe from India to Scotland to Canada to Europe in World War One.
The amount of research put into all the phases of Ellwyne's  life is admirable. There's something comforting when a story highlights areas the reader is familiar with, and I learned so much about Ellwyne's life on the farm in Southwestern Ontario. It was here that Betsy Jane and James A. Carruthers took the young man under their wings and embraced him as part of their family.
Rooted and Remembered would make a great gift and will appeal to people with a love for historical fiction, sweeping family sagas, and life in Southwestern Ontario in the early 1900s.

[Larry Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compelling, brilliant, good read. Well done! I found it very interesting and refreshing. I couldn't put it down.

[David May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written, and held my attention well.
Although it is a "fiction" novel, it is built on, and contains, a significant amount of actual history and people. The only fiction is that the author has filled in what she thought the real people in the book, may have thought about and done in their daily lives.
I was particularly interested because I grew up very near "Carruthers Corners", which is the main venue for the story, and am related to one of the persons mentioned in the story.
So, from that standpoint, I wondered to myself, "Would someone who lives anywhere else in the world, with no connection to the location or people in the story, find it interesting?"
My conclusion: the story is so well told, and paints such vivid pictures in one's mind, I think it would be enjoyed by anyone.
Definitely a "Good Read".

[Julie Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful remembrance of a real person who touched the lives of so many. It is well written and captures your imagination with the characters and settings. Stories like this should be told on a large scale but their heart lies with the people who lived it. I’m thankful for the memories shared, then so beautifully written down for all the world to read. This is an easy read, small chapters, with characters with real depth, and a story that is engaging. The human spirit thrives with love and genuine kindness found in this captivating story.

[Telma Rocha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is based on real events and real people.

During this heartfelt journey, we follow 11 year old Ellwyne’s life from India to Canada as he struggles to find common ground after losing his parents.
Deceived by his stepfather, Ellwyne must learn to live and love again and so when he ends up in Canada at James and Betsy’s home, he once again finds comfort until his past catches up to him.

A beautiful story, based on real events that encompasses all sorts of emotions. I loved everything about it. I fell in love with Ellwyne from the start. He’s courageous, loving, and as a little boy, I wanted to reach out to hug him for all he endured.

This book will leave you satisfied and yearning to learn more about this historical time.

[Judy Sandison]

This is an extremely well written book. Within a short time of each character being introduced, I got an impression about them, that continued to be built upon throughout the story. I knew who I liked and who I didn’t.

As I was reading there were many times when I was so emotionally captured by the situation being described that my eyes were watering. On several evenings, I was just going to read one more chapter, and then go to bed, that didn’t work, and several chapters later I had to force myself to save more to read the next day.

Overall, a great read, and can’t wait to read whatever C.J.’s next book will be.

[Crystal Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written!! I was sucked in by the first pages. Loved the storytelling by the author with the bits of truth woven in. Being from the area that this all took place in, Southwestern Ontario, made it that much more interesting.
Loved this book!!

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rooted and Remembered is a beautiful work of art! Once I started reading the story of Ellwyne I was absolutely hooked. The author drew me in to the young boy's time in India, his family travails and their move to Scotland and, finally, his landing and rooting in Ontario, Canada. I could not put the book down. This is a tale of love and its effect on the young child who grows up as part of the story. Conversely, it is tales of a lack of love and absolute selfish cruelty. It is based on a true story and its places and people are like those I know and have known. An intriguing part of the book is the mentions of an unusual tree that is tied in to the plot. A buttonwood tree was new to me. I loved the way Frederick structured the book to meaningfully include that tree as an integral part of the whole. When I got to the end of the book, I read all of the back matter so anxious was I know more of this family and this author's work. Well done, C. J. Frederick!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful tale about finding a new home when life throws the family several curveballs. It is not going to be easy but a new life may be just ahead of them all. What challenges will they all face? Will they have a better life? How will it all go? See what will happen
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Donna Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great book couldn't put it down. It was a really good read enjoyed it very much.

[Mary Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an amazing experience to read a full blown historical novel about one’s own community and history.

All of us have interesting family stories like this. Unfortunately, the stories of our ancestors are not even remembered or passed on to new generations, let alone treasured and passed down three generations orally and then committed to paper and published in a historical novel form.

After reading this wonderful story, I am inspired to work even harder to preserve the records of my ancestors and commit the stories we know to paper

Surely , we can do that much to honour our parents and their parent’s parents.

Mary Simpson
Southwest MIddlesex
MIddlesex County

[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I love history, I also enjoy the story within history and this novel based on a true story (with maps, a glossary and pictures) delivers. I appreciate the character development that helps me relate and care about what they are going through. I became attached very quickly as I couldn’t put the book down and I had to know what happened next. The plot moved at a good pace and although the story takes place in multiple locations, it is easy to follow. The interweaving of the story with nature is also a nice touch. As a Christian, I also appreciate the spiritual aspect that comes through. It isn’t preachy or in your face but it brings comforts and assurance that no matter what happens, you can trust God.

[Kathryn C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rooted and Remembered is the story of Ellwyne Dacosta, a real person at the turn of the 19th Century, whose story is still told today by the descendants of those who knew him. While written as a novel, the author skillfully weaves the known facts, photos and relics of Ellwyne’s life into the narrative, developing the story of his life and the lives of those who knew him to create a riveting tale. The characters are well developed and the history of the times well-researched and accurately portrayed. Ellwyne’s life travels are an integral part of the book and span India, Scotland, Canada, England and France. There’s birth, death, romance and hate but mostly the book is about love. Well worth a read.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to read. This is a beautifully told story based on the life of a young boy whose seemingly perfect childhood is met with tragedy, deceit, abuse and adventure spanning three continents. Rooted and Remembered has a very unique first chapter, unlike anything I've ever read, and one that immediately captured my attention. A fast paced story, with ups, downs and unpredictable twists, this novel had me captivated to the very end. I always say the best books are the ones where you feel a sense of sadness when you read the last word on the last page, because something you've enjoyed so much has come to an end. Rooted and Remembered is just that type of novel.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Rooted and Remembered - and absolutely stunning novel - in both its story and lyrical writing that is descriptive, emotional and clear.

The story of Ellwyne, a remarkable fellow, is woven effortlessly and beautifully into images of nature and the rural southwestern Ontario landscape. The imagery is incredibly powerful to the story and its sense of place.

By sharing Ellwyne’s story, the author truly honours his profound mark on his adopted family, his community and his country. Bravo.

[Cathy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful read. I read it in one sitting. It follows the life of a young man, who lives more than most us ever will. There are unique stories within the story, which made this book all the more enjoyable. It kept me captivated to find out what would happen next. There was factual information throughout the book that only added to the story. When I finished reading, I felt that this book had touched me and would stay with me in a way that most books have not.

[Rick Olinger]

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel about a young man who overcomes so much in life.

From his boyhood in India, to his adolescent years in Scotland and Canada, to military service including trench warfare during WW I in Europe, he overcomes such loss, but gives so much to his adopted family, his friends, his farming community, and his country.

I highly recommend this historical fiction novel, as one of the best that I've read

[Sherri Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rooted and Remembered is a wonderfully written novel that hooks you from the first page. C.J. Frederick has a talent for making the reader feel every emotion. This story will remain with you long after the reading is done.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first novel by Ontario writer CJ Frederick is taken from a true story of a young man named Ellwyne Ballantyne. His life takes him from India to Scotland to rural Ontario and the battlefields of the First World War.

No novel is completely successful (but some are complete failures!) Where Frederick succeeds is in an honest portrayal of family life in rural Ontario and in her imagining of how the complicated circumstances of Ballantyne’s life affected him. She was assisted in this by extensive research and contact with members of Ballantyne’s extended family, the Carruthers. This research shows itself not just in the prose, but in several pictures from family archives.

A rare buttonwood tree is a central metaphor in the novel, and at times perhaps has more weight put on it than it can bear, and some of the dialogue doesn’t quite ring true. But those are forgivable errors from a first-time, self-published novelist.

If you enjoy family sagas and rural settings, you’d do well to give Rooted and Remembered a read.

[Cynthia Prosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novelization of a true story of the life of Ellwyne Ballantine (DaCosta) and the impact he had on those around him especially his adopted families. As with any life story, there are periods of happiness and sadness filled with delightful people and cads. This book gives you insight into daily life in rural Ontario, as well as other parts of the world, during the first part of the 20th Century. The book reads as if a grandparent was telling you stories from when they were young. There are parts that remind you to watch carefully who you closely associate with and to be vigilant to find ways to protect those you rely on you. It was an easy read, again as if you were enjoying a visit and telling stories. World recommend to those who enjoy glimpses into real life history and those who enjoy tales of a whole lifetime of a person.

[Lynda Draves]

CJ has done an outstanding job of honoring this fellow and his story. I was totally swept away by the development of the characters and was transported to the locations with each chapter. The descriptions are mesmerizing. I found myself having trouble putting the book down and wishing it would go on. She paints a perfect portrait of life in SW Ontario during the early 1900's. Likely a very accurate account of life on the front lines of war. Well done CJ!!

[Debra Strangman johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a small boy and the tragedies that befall him. It begins in Colonial India, then after a fateful devastating event he ends up in Ontario,Canada with his stepfather. There his life takes a turn for the better when he meets a family that befriends him and grows to love him. Then the horrors of WW1 encroach on their lives and he enlists. This story is at once heartbreaking and uplifting. It's based on true events.

[Elizabeth Burtwistle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book and I must say I am so impressed with how the author shared the struggles and stories of the main character Ellwyne and the Carruthers family. I loved that the author made history relatable and I became fully invested in the journey of the characters. This book is a must read with its rich characters, meticulous historical research and engaging storytelling! Loved it!

[Sandy Alsop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written. You got to know the characters in depth and felt their joy, triumphs and sadness. It is a book that stays with you long after you have read the last page. I loved that the characters lived in Southwestern Ontario and I do plan on visiting the buttonwood tree!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Written by a Canadian, (mostly) about life in Ontario around the First World War. CJ Frederick is proving herself to be a talented researcher and storyteller. I expect we’ll see more from her!

[Ken Doran · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a book is to be judged by the range of emotions it evokes, then C.J. Frederick’s “Rooted and Remembered” should rank top of the class. From fist-clenching anger to heartwarming happiness and hopefulness to profound sadness, the emotions I felt reading about the life of Ellwyne Ballantyne was like a ride on a rollercoaster. Each page captivated me and compelled me to read on fervently. This is an amazing story and one beautifully told by C.J. Frederick.

[Susan Earle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding first novel. The author draws the reader into time and place. Based on a true story she has given life to the people and community she writes about. Well done!

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I was finished reading it, this book stayed with me for days.

I wasn't expecting this novel to have the impact it did on me. I chose to read it because it's from a Canadian writer, her first novel, having to do with local history, and the First World War. But I discovered that it's one of those reads that just draws you in. I think it's because the author has a way with words that I really enjoy. Her use of language is compact, even verging on sparse, and the result is that it gives your imagination room to paint in the details.

There aren't huge descriptive passages, and the central characters' dialogue is as economical as their lives. There aren't a lot of internal thoughts and feelings depicted. Most of the book takes place on the canvas of a family farm, under open skies where everything, the clouds, wind, sun and moisture in the air, has significance. They're Scots settlers who were given some of the most hardscrabble tracts of land to farm. Then a young boy arrives in the area and starts doing work on their farm.

I was amazed to discover that most of the material is factual, and was told to the author by the clan's living Storykeeper. The recipes, photos, and descriptions of farming and rural life have been passed down as treasures.

And the book is full of surprising gems, like the recipe section, and many family photos, and explanations of local trees, animals and topography.

I was left wanting to know more, and a respect for the small towns that are dotted all over the Canadian landscape. Wanting to slow down, and make time to visit these places. They have their monuments and their stories.

The author has a flair for historical fiction, and I hope this is just the first installment.

[Andrew Wood-Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tapestry of Life
This novel is beautifully written and a pleasure to read. The author weaves together various threads of random events that were either natural or man made. These threads connect us with so many lives lived and lost in the world around us. They connect us with the past. They connect us with Nature.
She writes about a young lad named Ellwyne, and his life and travels before settling on the farm at Carruthers Corners, Ontario. It brings back memories of my youth when working on farms in the area in the late sixties and early seventies. The hard physical work, home made meals, fresh air and a community that is so important for survival.
She writes about WW1. She keeps it real. There are heroes but no winners here. I remember the WW1 vets that were pillars of the community. Her writing makes one realize the incredible sacrifices that war demands.
Life may not be fair at times but the impact, the trials, and tribulations, of these events form the physical, emotional, and spiritual tapestry of life.