Revolution Songs

by Carissa Halton

Award-winning nonfiction writer Carissa Halton breaks the mould with this stunning debut novel.

 

Annie Jalmer stands uneasily between opposing allegiances in her 1930s Rocky Mountain town. As the radical politics of her family inflame tensions, Annie becomes an unwilling double agent until a violent strike forces her to take a stand.

An electrifying debut, Revolution Songs is inspired by the little-known story of a Communist union, the rise of the Canadian Ku Klux Klan, and the women who fought on both sides. Set against the charged backdrop of Depression-era politics, Halton weaves a thrilling and timely story that echoes the rising polarization of our own era.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

376 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Adam McPhee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll have a more in-depth review on my Substack soon, but for now, I think it's fair to say that this was a flawed first novel that showed promise, and brought attention to a very important Canadian story that's been overlooked for a long time.

Thanks to NeWest Press for the ARC.

[Lilly B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to Storygraph and NeWest press for my ARC copy of this book (my first ever giveaway win woohooo!!) 🎉🎉

This novel is an absolutely wonderful love letter to everyday history and its archiving.

The extent to which Halton researched this book really shines through, especially in the use of primary sources from songs, manifestos, and articles.

The characterisation was VERY well crafted. Oftentimes leftists in fiction, especially historical fiction, end up as cringe-inducing stereotypes. But every character in Revolution Songs is fleshed out, complex, and their decisions make sense to their values. I absolutely loved the way Annie’s balancing act was portrayed and it really added to the story to see both sides of the strike and point out how underhanded employer tactics can be. I think Emmeline’s perspective was a great addition too almost as a foil to Annie and her development.

I honestly only have good things to say about this, I absolutely LOVED it. The pacing was fantastic throughout as well, and Halton really has a gift for telling stories.

ALSO I love the historical at the end about what was true and what was liberties, what a good idea!!

Overall would recommend this book to anyone and I am going to buy my grandma a copy for christmas (this is high praise as she only gets the best books from me 😛)

(As a side note whilst I was writing this review I realised I don’t think the book passes a male version of the Bechdel test which is lowkey iconic)

[Jessica Bowering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction told from the perspective of women is a genre I generally like. And this was excellent, based on fascinating and specific local history and with relatable characters and insightful writing. The ideas around trying to find middle ground (and that possibly being "naive and stupid") are ones I think about a lot and it was interesting to see them in this context.
This line about parenting from Annie's mother... "My job is to raise you right. And if that means finding what you love and taking it away, then I'll not shirk my duty."

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting historical fiction novel! I didn’t know much about Canadian Communist and Klu Klux Klan movements prior- there’s a historical note at the ending confirming all the true details, of which there are many! The novel highlights all the various roles women play on all sides of revolutions. I think it would make a really great TV show, especially with all songs woven throughout.

Thank you to Newest Press for ARC I finally got around to reading 🫣

[Alberta Views Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revolution Songs is the debut novel of Carissa Halton, a communications consultant and keynote speaker on community development and government relations. Despite Revolution Songs being her first foray into fiction, she’s not an inexperienced writer. Halton previously published Little Yellow House (University of Alberta Press, 2018), a nonfiction account of moving to a rough, inner-city Edmonton neighbourhood. She has also published widely in magazines such as Today’s Parent and Azure and won a National Magazine Award for an article in Eighteen Bridges.

Halton brings direct language and talent as a researcher to her first attempt at fiction. Revolution Songs is a meticulously researched account of the turbulent years in the Crowsnest Pass from 1928 to 1932. Readers needn’t be put off by the two-page character list or the author’s note that sets out the book’s historical context. The novel is accessible and easy to follow despite its large cast. Halton delivers the story in short, catchy chapters, each with its own narrative arc, and readers will also learn the history by being immersed in the story. However, the endnote clarifying where Halton takes liberties and where she sticks to facts will be invaluable to history buffs. This transparency and rigorous research make Revolution Songs the perfect novel for anyone wanting an energetic, immersive tour of this region’s Depression-era history....

Review by Angie Abdou
Full review at: https://albertaviews.ca/revolution-so...

[Enid Wray]

DNF

[Colleen Jantzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illuminates in an engaging way a little known part of Alberta's history