True Canadian Stories of the Great Lakes

by Mark Bourrie

259 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed 'True Canadian Stories of the Great Lakes'. The book began a little slow, I think because I was expecting hard-hitting facts about Great Lakes shipwrecks. Bourrie discusses a different shipwreck each chapter but the first few are quite old and he discusses the politics of that era, which was not what I had expected. However, as I read more I came to realize how much more depth the information about the political landscape provided. Mark Bourrie was able to inform readers about some of the factors contributing to the sinking, the aftermath with respects to searching for possible survivors and how the families dealt with the loss of a loved one. This book is interesting and provides a wonderful window into the lives of those who shipped on the Great Lakes.

[Grazyna Nawrocka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected the book to be full of legends and stories. It was a history of ships that sank in Great Lakes. Yes, it was interesting, but very depressing. I got hooked, but if I knew how sad it will be, I wouldn't have read it.

The story of Hurons, Jesuits and Iroquois was almost unbearable to read. What followed was not much more uplifting.

The book gave the reader idea of this "menacing" side of the lakes (you think you know them but there is always a danger lurking beneath those waters, quite like with the mountains). Many a times the author uses the word "sea" to describe the lake, and this bring the concept of grandeur home.

I would recommend this book to anybody who doesn't mind reading about misery, cold, drowning, etc.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't always love Mark Bourrie's writing, but in this case I just found his tone to be so flippant, particularly in chapter about the Wawinet. Even the title of that chapter is a joke (Always Trust Your Accountant). This was a terrible tragedy for the community and I am biased because my great-grandfather died in this sinking, but it just really rubbed me the wrong way.

[E.R. Yatscoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story telling.

[Dylan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just being curious about the history of the Great Lakes from a Canadian perspective carried me through most of the book. The writing is not bad, I just lacked the motivation to finish.