Unrest

by Gwen Tuinman

Brash, duplicitous women, murder and mayhem, and illicit love abound in this wild adventure for fans of Outlander and The Home for Unwanted Girls, announcing a major new talent in historical fiction.

Bytown, 1836: The lawless cesspool that will become the city of Ottawa is beginning to reek of more than just swamp water. Rife with squalor, corruption, and organized crime, class injustice divides the town more starkly than the canal that bisects it, cutting off its Irish poor—who are ready to fight back.

On a homestead in the woods near Bytown, a domestic drama is also reaching a fever pitch. Quiet, ungainly Mariah, her face scarred in a dog attack back home in Ireland, has been living on sufferance in her sister Biddy’s home since they sailed for a new life. She’s treated as the spinster aunt, a farmhand working alongside Biddy’s husband, Seamus. But the three of them are keeping a bitter Mariah, in love with Seamus, is the mother of Thomas, the family’s oldest child. And she’s about to burst under the strain of making herself small.

While Mariah plots to claim her rightful place in the world, Thomas keeps secrets of his own. Eager to escape the roiling tensions at home, he’s apprenticed himself to a blacksmith in Bytown, but soon falls into trouble too big for him to handle. To save himself, he’s made a deal with the one man colder than the devil—Peter Aylen, leader of a powerful Irish rebel gang. As danger mounts, both for Thomas and for the town, there’s only one way for Mariah to save her by becoming the hero of her own story, facing her deepest fears with a determination she never knew she had.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Canada, Fiction, Historical

448 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Gwen Tuinman is descended from Irish tenant farmers and English Quakers. Her storytelling influences include soul searching, an interest in bygone days, and the complexities of living a life. Fascinated by the landscape of human tenacity, she writes about women navigating the social restrictions of their era. Gwen lives with her husband on a small rural homestead in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region.

Reviews

[CarolG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mariah, her face scarred in a dog attack back home in Ireland, has been living in her sister Biddy’s home along with Biddy's husband Seamus and their three daughters on a homestead in the woods near Bytown, what is now Ottawa Ontario Canada. An older son Thomas is working as an apprentice blacksmith in Bytown.

I have to admit that it took me a while to get into this book and at first all I could think about was how many more hours it would take to finish but eventually I found myself wrapped up in the story. It takes place in 1836 and covers a lot - class distinctions, poverty, murder and mayhem, ladies of ill repute, drunkenness - all in the lawless cesspool that will become the city of Ottawa, now our nation's capital! Not a pleasant place or time to live by the sounds of it. The story is told from multiple points of view, focusing mostly on young Thomas who gets involved with the dangerous Shiners, an Irish rebel gang, and on Mariah who is trying to make her way in a world that doesn't value women much at all. I found I couldn't read a lot of this book at any one time and I don't think it'll be one of my favourite historical fiction books but it's very well written and an interesting part of Canada's history.
Another case where I really wish we could award half stars! 3.5 rounded down.

TW: Attempted rape, some animal abuse.

My thanks to Random House Canada via Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: May 7, 2024

[Tilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely engrossed by this Canadian historical fiction novel, pulled in by the complex family dynamics, the painstakingly-drawn atmosphere, and the unwavering strength of the women at the centre of it all.

“Unrest” focuses on a family of Irish immigrants in Bytown (which later becomes Ottawa) in the 1830s. Each member of the O’Dougherty family has their own secrets, but none so heavy as Mariah, who carries brutal scars from a dog attack in her youth, and who quietly pines for her sister Biddy’s husband Seamus after a golden afternoon back in Ireland led to the conception of the family’s oldest son Thomas. Living on charity in an unforgiving new country, enduring Biddy’s constant mistreatment, and helping to raise her own child as her sister’s, Mariah is ready to snap.

The story is skilfully told in multiple perspectives, focusing mostly on teenage Thomas getting involved with the dangerous Shiners, and on Mariah making her own way in life despite all the barriers for unmarried women in that time. Tuinman’s writing is superb, sharp and concise and full of unexpected warmth, making me care for these flawed characters and hope for a happy ending even when it seemed impossible. There is no shying away from the dark truths of this time in history, but there is also such care put into the research and the storytelling. I felt utterly transported while reading, and immeasurably satisfied by the ending.

Thanks to Random House Canada and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lumberjacks wielding oak clubs, saucy ladies of ill repute, drunken disorder, social chaos masterminded by one kingpin—it’s the stuff that Hollywood movies are made of, but it happened here in Canada. Inspired by the true stories of the author's own ancestors, who left Ireland for a new life in Bytown and relied on all their wits to survive, the novel brings back to life a chapter of Canadian reality that readers may only have known in the boldest of strokes. And not only is it vivid, tightly plotted, and wickedly funny, Unrest also has a stunning emotional core, with a cast of complex characters who I breathlessly rooted for despite their flaws, and women’s tenacity at its backbone. If you're a fan of Outlander, The Home for Unwanted Girls, or When We Lost Our Heads, you won't want to miss this one!

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unrest by Gwen Tuinman is at times heart-wrenching, and at other times triumphant, making for a powerful historical novel set in Canada's early days in the Ottawa area that keeps the reader turning the pages to the very end.
The character of Mariah is extremely well-written, and her growth from an abused and fearful family-in-name-only sister and aunt to a strong and determined woman in control of her own destiny is fascinating and one cannot help but cheer her on. Her son Thomas's struggles to establish himself as his own man result in numerous mistakes that see him growing as well. Even the despicable characters, such as Mariah's bitter and controlling sister and her entitled niece, are riveting and watching their lives change as Mariah's does holds a lesson.
The book is clearly well-researched, and it brings to life the historical period and the strife between English citizens and the Irish immigrants they both need for labour and resent. There is definitely unrest at every turn, making for a fast-paced and, dare I say, educational novel.
I am happy to have received an ARC of #Unrest from #NetGalley and highly recommend the novel.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the history in this book interesting, but I had problems getting into the story. I found most of the characters unlikable, and some of the writing seemed to jump around a lot. It also seemed to me that the ending was a very quick one that left me unsatisfied as to how we got there. My thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book.

[Lois Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who says Canadian history is dull. All it needs is a good story teller. What a powerful book! I love historical fiction and have enjoyed reading about the time before, what is now known as Canada, became the nation it is… back when it was a murderous mess of colonial chaos, particularly in the backwater settlement of Bytown - the unlikely settlement town that would later become the nation’s capital of Ottawa. This is a story about the accident of birth, the importance of knowing who you are and where you come from, but at the same time being able to free yourself from the expectations and entanglement that entails. It’s about the burden and/or the entitlement of being and learning who you are. Irish, French, English, “Indian”, Man, Woman, Boy, Girl, Orangeman, Rebel (or Hero?), Catholic, Preacher, Whore, Woodsman, Seamstress, Wolf, Horse… what being born as any one of them can drive us to. Through it all is the value of a kind word or silent gesture. A little bit of help goes a long way.

I love the first person narrative that was used in the book so the reader can see different points of view, because really, all we have is our own point of view. What a gift for the reader to hear the story from the points of view of the key players! There is no single truth in any given situation, only our own understanding of the truth. What we think is the truth is based on the actions and words of others. How do we know the difference?

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good story and for anyone who would like to understand the quagmire Canada rose out of.

[Mariana Russo · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1836 Bywater (which would become Ottawa), the life of a family unravels. Biddy and Samuel are married and have three daughters. Biddy's sister, Mariah, had a son by Samuel before they emigrated from Ireland. Biddy pretends she is his mother, to avoid the scandal. That strains the family dynamics, with Biddy taking out all her resentment on her sister. Thomas, the son, is an apprentice blacksmith with dreams of being more than his father. With his ambition, he one day finds himself working for the Shiners, an Irish rebel gang, and believes that this is his way up. Their stories unfold: Thomas finds himself involved with two very different women, while Biddy and Mariah have to deal with the consequences of a fire.

I had a hard time with the book until around 70%, I found all the characters quite unlikeable, so it was hard to get invested in their stories. Once Mariah stopped feeling sorry for not being able to tell Thomas who she is to him, her story picked up for me, and I was happy to see where it led her. The same thing for Thomas - I understand he was a boy, and his is very much a coming of age story, but man does he make poor decisions... Thank goodness for Peg, she was my main motivation to keep reading, I hoped she'd get to fulfill her dreams.

I love reading historical fiction, because it gives me insight into other lives, and this was no different. Ottawa in the 1830's was a cruel place to live, regardless of your social status, and this book reflects that very well. At times, I had to stop reading to stop feeling that cruelty, and return to my body, in a way. If the characters had been a little more lovable, their suffering would have torn me in two.

Thank you NetGalley, and Random House Canada for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! It was nice to switch things up and read Canadian historical fiction, but I do wish it was more woman centred (too much Thomas and Seamus for me). The download to my Kobo was very tiny print and not adjustable so it took me longer than usual to read.

[Laura✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Unrest’ is a historical fiction novel set in the 1830s in Bytown, in what will become the capital city of Ottawa, Canada. The author, Gwen Tuinman, masterfully transports readers back in time, immersing them in the era's rich historical realism and atmosphere, successfully capturing the complex tapestry of the town's cultural dynamics. One of the most striking aspects of ‘Unrest’ is its authentic portrayal of the period’s social and political turmoil. The novel doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of the time, offering a nuanced exploration of the struggles and conflicts that shaped the nation’s early days and the tense relationships between Irish and British immigrants, French Canadians, and Indigenous populations.

The story unfolds through multiple POVs and the writing leans heavily on narrative, with characters explaining their thoughts and goals. As a reader, I find this less effective than showing motives through actions and dialogue. However, the pacing was swift and it kept my interest until the end.

Overall, ‘Unrest’ was an engaging and enlightening read that brought to life Canada's early capital.

This was an ARC review for NetGalley.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unrest is a fascinating look into 1800's Ottawa and the clashing between cultures and within families. Following our protagonist Mariah and the family around her, it is a story about class, gender, familial dynamics, murder and immigration. I did find the book to drag on at times, and took me a while to get through sections. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the ending immensely and thought it tied together well. Overall a good insight into the chaos and mayhem that was 19th century Bytown.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 rounded down. This one was a bit of a slog for me. I think part of the problem was that I mostly didn't like any of the main characters, nor the vast majority of the side characters. Besides that, for such a long narrative, I felt like all the characters were pretty two dimensional. A couple of the characters have some growth and are changed by the end of the story, but despite everything they went through, I was still unconvinced that their growth was really believable. It more happened because that's what the plot required. The early parts of the book spend so long dwelling on this family, their misfortunes, and their soap opera-esque family drama that by the time we get to the later parts of the book where the plot really picks up, it all felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped. In the end, things work out for a couple of the main characters but in really unsatisfying, unbelievably facile ways. So much intensely harsh and violent action is depicted in this book which was not only deeply unpleasant to read, but also seemed to veer into salaciousness more often than not. And for a book with several actual psycho killers and remorselessly violent men, it sure was a choice to make Biddy the biggest psycho of them all. Like, the author could have conveyed the complicated, competitive, jealous nature of Biddy's and Mariah's relationship as sisters without making one of them the most selfish, unsympathetic creature imaginable. This book was a miss for me, unfortunately.

[Phil Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: Gwen and I were both members of a writers' community east of Toronto (the WCDR), and we both served on the board (actually she took over from me as secretary), so I can hardly be considered an unbiased reader.
Having said that I found Unrest absolutely immersive. The writing is tight and strong. She never falls into that faux Irish voice that some writers fall prey to, but uses just enough colloquialisms to convey the Irishness of the Irish characters.
I will be left with this story and these characters for some time to come.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unrest by Gwen Tuinman interested me initially because it’s rather rare to find a novel set in a historical setting in Canada. In addition, I have lived in the area in which the book is set for the past 15 years or so, so that made me doubly interested.

This turned out to be a very compelling read. I thought it might be a struggle in the beginning because at that point, I really didn’t care much for any of the characters. As the story went on I found myself frustrated with some of the choices the characters were making, but by that time I was invested in the story and wanted to see how things would end.

I found Unrest to be an interesting look at a seemingly lawless time in Canadian history. This was not a light read, in any way. There were a number of fairly gruesome, upsetting scenes, but I feel like they reflected the realities of the time.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical periods, but especially anyone interested in Canadian history.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and well-written look at Ottawa’s early history. I really enjoyed the Mariah's story—she’s a strong character, and her connection to the city’s growth was one of the highlights for me. The historical detail throughout the book is excellent and really let's you picture Ottawa’s past.

That said, I found the son’s storyline slower and a little less engaging. While the writing is solid and clear, I did find myself wanting the story to move along more quickly in certain sections.

Overall, though, Unrest is a good read. It’s well researched and offers a fresh perspective on Ottawa’s early days. If you enjoy Canadian historical fiction, especially with a strong female lead, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC.

[Olesya Lyuzna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense, intricately crafted adventure with a powerful emotional core. I loved the focus on women in different situations and how they dealt with the limitations of their time, and the hopeful resolution that makes you believe anything is possible with the right perspective. (And I would follow Mariah to the ends of the earth) Can't wait to see what else Gwen Tuinman has in store for us!

[diytrasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, complex, and intricate—a must-read for historical fiction lovers seeking out stories like these within CanLit.

[Addicted2booksStefania · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this arc. I tried many times to invest myself in this novel, however I did not enjoy it. The writing is very scattered, and while the imagery is wonderful, it’s very hard to follow at times. In comparison with my fellow reviewers, I feel the history in the book is convoluted at times and the writing takes away from understanding the history. It is a very savage and gory novel, to the point that I had to put the book down given certain events or the general energy of the novel. The characters are very stereotypical, despite the premise being intriguing and unique. From the beginning, you could probably guess their characters arcs. We’re also not given a lot of reason to care for the characters since they’re all very dislikeable. I do love the cover design, especially since we learn early on how it echoes the protagonist appearance.

[Carolina Familia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Historical Fiction book, based in mid-1800’s, in the town that will be known as Ottawa. I was intrigued by the book as the description said it was similar to Outlander, I did not find this to be true.

Pros-
-multiple point of views
-good descriptions and imagery
-great insight into the life of the poor and working class in mid-1800’s Canada
-my favorite character was the prostitute Peg

Cons-
-Political/voting part bored and confused me
-lots of violence
-I wasn’t routing for any of the main characters

I received an ARC copy from Netgalley and this review is voluntary.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, it was so rich in detail that I felt I was walking side by side with the characters, I wanted to linger longer each day but just tried to cherish the story & take my time with it. I loved how it switched between the different points of views, but Mariah was the heart of the story & it was lovely to see things work out for her at the end. Another bonus was learning more about this time in history, it was really historical fiction at its best!

[Zanne Raby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at Bytown (Ottawa) in the 1830s and the lives of its inhabitants. Having lived in Ottawa for several years, I jumped at the chance to read a novel about the lives of Irish immigrant women in the 1830s. What a journey the reader is taken on! Unrest follows a family of Catholic Irish immigrants who live through challenging times. The story is told through the points of view of Mariah, her older sister Biddy, son Thomas who is influenced by an Irish gang of ruffians known as the Shiners, and Biddy's husband, Seamus. There are secrets that are being kept that blow up. Tragedies that unfold. Prejudices. Injustice. Ruthless men who take the law into their own hands. And women who must fight for survival. Especially interesting to me was Mariah's transformation from a person afraid of the world, to a strong, capable woman who overcomes her fear to save a loved one. What I enjoyed most about the book was the scaffold of history upon which the book was built. I learned about Peter Aylen, the Ottawa River timber trade, and the Shiners. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of Unrest, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel.

[Marie Gage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and engaging

Written in 4 different 1st person voices this book captivates the reader as it follows the difficult path of Mariah through a world controlled by men. I found it hard to put down. The author's prose are so descriptive it takes you back in time to when life for the Irish in Canada was challenging and they had to fight discriminating forces. Well done. I will be watching for her next book.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing book...A historical fiction at its finest. So many characters and all with their own unique tale that all intertwined.. Definitely a nee favorite...Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story about the early days in Ottawa before Confederation. Worthwhile and recommended.

[Cindee Ketches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Full review to follow

Not sure what I can add. There’s wonderful family dynamics between Mariah, her sister Biddie, Biddie’s husband Seamus & the family’s children. Everyone has secrets. The oldest child is actually Mariah & Seamus’, conceived before his marriage to Biddie one forbidden afternoon.
That child (Thomas) has been apprenticed to a blacksmith and gets into all kinds of trouble with the Irish “Shiners”.
The story is told from a few POVs and delves into a lot of Ottawa’s early history.
It is well written and informative. A good read!

[C.R. Comacchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Canada for an ARC of this novel.

Lots of people, mostly Canadian, think Canadian history is boring. Historians can’t persuade them otherwise, but maybe novelists can. Certainly no one who reads this novel will use the B word to describe it.

On the opening page, the main character, Mariah Lindsay, declares that ´Menace lurks high and low in the snake pit known as Bytown, ‘ where the story unfolds in the mid 1830s. A rough resource town of about 1,000 people, Bytown (later Ottawa) was populated by an exploited underclass of famine Irish who did the gruelling, badly paid, often dangerous labour of canal and railway building and lumbering in the ambitious colony of Upper Canada. As they were overseas, the Irish, especially Catholics, were held to be ignorant, dirty, disease-spreading drunkards who needed to ´know their place’ at the bottom, and stay there. French Canadians were treated little better. The Algonkian peoples whose land the settlers appropriated were so utterly marginalized that they didn’t even rank in the social order. Those of British heritage and their circle held tight to wealth and power, administering justice as suited their interests.

The « unrest » of the title permeates the story. It starts even before Mariah, her older sister Biddy, and Biddy’s new husband Seamus O’ Daugherty, leave an oppressed and starving Ireland for the unwelcoming British North American colonies. On both sides of the Atlantic, violence, hatred, and vengeance are a way of life. Mariah’s ravaged face and psyche, explained in the opening pages, symbolizes the world of these people and their outlook. Unrest seethes through their lives, from the poorest in the Corktown shanties, to the corrupt businessmen-politicians of Uppertown who use imported sectarian hatreds to control and rule. There are rumours of unrest in Lower Canada (Quebec), in York (Toronto), in the western townships (London). The Irish manifest their historic discontent in marauding gangs of Shiners, performing ruthless acts of violence, even against their own. They are led by a newly wealthy Irish timber man Peter Aylen, and his henchmen Andrew Leany, Hairy Barney, and John Gleeson, all real historical figures. These men and their followers fuel unrest with rhetoric, booze, prostitutes and many false promises. Irish men, young and old, are swept away in the lawless politics of despair. The unrest destabilizes their families, rich and poor, because women and children, dependent on their men, are most vulnerable to their alcohol-fuelled deprecations.

The author brings this unrest to life on all these levels, a real strength in a novel that in no way sanitizes or romanticizes the past. The grit, gore, savagery and suffering are all here. But this strength also becomes a problem at times. The unrest in their lives and their souls is so unremitting that the main characters, especially Mariah, become hapless victims of seemingly unending random, misfortune, often of the ugliest kind. Of course none of them can avoid being affected by circumstances, but every step Mariah takes on her own behalf tosses her several steps backward, renewing her original physical and emotional trauma. The few gentle moments, when people get to be kind and Mariah gets to be hopeful, get buried under the barrage of ongoing Terrible Things. Her ability to gather herself up and go on to the next battle is admirable, but the battles are frequently unbelievable, which results more in eye-rolling than sympathy. Her one great hope of deliverance slides in and out of her hands, literally, and she fights terrible odds (I’d say ridiculous odds) to hold on to it/retrieve it.

The high drama surrounding each character tends to make them one-dimensional, often stereotypical. Older sister Biddy and her hapless husband Seamus, who accompanied the unwed pregnant Mariah from Ireland to hide her shame, are superficially drawn from the start. Biddy predictably grows more narcissistic and vengeful, Seamus more cowardly and duplicitous. Mariah’s son Thomas, who knows (and disdains) her only as his maternal aunt, ruins every chance he gets, honest or otherwise, to improve his lot. He can’t decide between, and therefore manipulates, two women who are always ready to save him from his own stupid misdeeds as he tries to curry favour with the Shiners. It’s hard to care about his fate, though that fate is central to the story.

The Shiners’ actual demise, as well as the rebellions, are skipped. Presumably the unrest has ended for all concerned, as for Mariah, whom the epilogue shows to have prevailed. But, since Biddy and Seamus and their children were left in an extremely precarious state in the story’s final chapter, I wanted to know whether they did too.

There are a lot of ugly things in every nation’s history, and the history is very well done here. Thanks to the lucid writing, this is a very visual novel, even if the focus on the darker details mean that those images are seldom pretty.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unrest by Gwen Tuinman c2024 as reviewed by Gail M. Murray

Author Tuinman’s curiosity about her Irish ancestry led her to meticulously research a little known time in Ottawa’s history – The Shiner Wars 1835 - 1845. Tuinman immerses the reader in the violence and lawlessness of the Ottawa Valley of 1836, when Bytown was a mix of taverns, merchants and drunken timber workers. Wealthy British merchants lived in fine stone houses in Uppertown while across the canal; poor Irish immigrants somehow survived the squalor in filthy shanties. It’s thirty years before Canada’s Confederation; Bytown resembles The Wild West with no policing.
Unrest unfolds from the point of view of the O’Dougherty family from County Cork. Although there are four narrators, the focus is on two: Mariah and her son Thomas both anti-heroes. Mariah left traumatized and disfigured after being mauled by a dog at 16, is saved by her sister’s finance, Seamus, who in a moment of reckless grief and affection impregnates her. Now 31, her life is one of service to the family, who hide her shameful secret. Thomas is raised thinking she is his spinster aunt. Naïve Thomas, apprenticed to a blacksmith at 15, can’t wait to assert his manhood. At Blackmore Tavern he becomes entangled with Gleeson one of timber baron Peter Aylen’s Shiners, a gang of Irish thugs who profess to protect the Irish. They’re brutes who terrorize British and Orangemen like newspaper man Johnston, burning his home and press. Irish workers employed building the Rideau Canal, finding themselves out of work, take timber jobs once the domain of French Canadians.
Tuinman writes with emotional intensity, especially the scene of Shiners harassing merchant Hobbs ‘wife and children. Thomas questions their actions but is powerless to stop them. He realizes the folly of following Aylen as a means to a better life.
Disguised as William, a mute young man, Mariah sets off for the lumber camps to retrieve her inheritance - gold and pearl earbobs (earrings) – to fund Thomas’ career as a blacksmith. Brave or foolhardy? You decide. If found out, she could be raped. Then there is Bible toting, Preach, who becomes her protector and we breathe a sigh of relief as Gustave , the fur trader she encountered at Fran’s mercantile, is stalking her. Later as Mariah discovers Preach’s dark side it terrorizes her. There is a sweet moment in the evenings when Ezra, the camp blacksmith, plays fiddle music and Mariah ponders “I




have experienced cameraderie inside this world of men, there’s good among them.” (p 338)
Both Thomas and Mariah are on an arduous physical and psychological journey. Thomas realizes his worth and what he values in life. Mariah discovers her inner strength, resilience and value. “I’m different, not at all like the old me. New Mariah would never have tolerated the lie we lived or my servitude under Biddy.” (p404)
Tuinman’s rich imagination has created believable main characters, fleshed out historical ones and set then all amid true events. She includes helpful historical notes and an extensive bibliography.
There is frequent, tension, political intrigue and danger. At times I wondered how this gripping novel would end, for good or ill, so graphic is Tuinman’s portrayal of these perilous times.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real treat of a read. It has a little something for everyone. If you are unfamiliar with Gwen's books, she focuses on historical fiction highlighting the strengths of women overcoming adversity.

The story arc for our protagonist Mariah is remarkable and unflinching. The Mariah we meet in chapter one compared to the Mariah who is seen in the epilogue is like night and day. You'll be cheering for her, you will likely shed some tears, and at times be on the edge of your seat. Prepare yourself for some late nights. You will fail every time you utter the words "I'll just read this chapter, then I'm done".

If I had to describe the book, I would say it has the grittiness of Django, the desperation of Angela's Ashes, the political beginnings and violence found in The Gangs of New York, the revenge elements found in The Quick and the Dead, the atmosphere of the logging camps in Serena, along with nostalgic doses of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and Outlander thrown in for good measure.

The storyline simmers along on the banks of the Rideau Canal in a town called Bytown which we will come to know as Ottawa. It is a glimpse of a new country being forged by immigrants as they are courageously battling the aftermath of The Great Depression. The social caste system only adds to their hardships. By defying the odds stacked against them, they ultimately build the spine of Canada. Every attempt is made to build a life for themselves that is better than the one they left behind.

It was a tumultuous time in Canadian history. Crime and danger lurked around every corner. Gwen has masterfully researched this time period to tell a story that doesn't shy away from the ugliness that sometimes surrounds new beginnings. Her attention to detail makes you feel as if you are standing beside the characters, and totally immersed in the daily life of Bytown.

I had the pleasure of meeting Gwen at my local library's Author Meet and Greet. I encourage you to visit her website and to attend one of these sessions should she come to visit your "backyard". She is very personable and she makes you feel as if you're greeting a long-lost friend.

During the question-and-answer period, I asked where she got the inspiration from for her beautiful descriptive writing style. I came to learn that she has a background in poetry. Throughout the book there are many examples. My favorites include:

1. A woman's bow in her hair on page 5- "From a length of blonde hair that's tumbled over her shoulder, a red bow hangs like an autumn leaf trapped in a tangle of branches."

2. Mariah crying softly in the night on page 65- "A tickle of a tear feathers along my cheek."

3. Love reveals itself on page 386- "He sits now and Madeline lifts a thick fur to cover his shoulders. When she adjusts it, his hand reaches up to cover hers. For a moment, they gaze at each other with such tenderness I'm undone. Love reveals itself most truly inside small gestures, not in grand demonstrations."

Another tidbit from the night revealed that there may be a sequel for this book. Although, nothing is currently in the works.

From page one all the way to the epilogue, Gwen brings Mariah's story into the sunlight with beautiful prose, and a plot that will keep you engaged until the very end.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unrest is a great title for this book. There is so much unrest in this novel, from the relationships to the political situation with the early days of Bytown. I found Mariah a sympathetic character. I would have preferred only Mariah and Thomas' point of views. There was information gleaned from Biddy and Seamus, but you would have learned that information without them being a focal point.

I also didn't like Thomas much. Not only was he young and reckless but he did things to get ahead that were nasty. Not as nasty as Rory, but only just by a small amount. He used Clara for his own purposes and claimed he loved her. He hurt innocent people and he seemed more focused on status and money. He did have a good character arc, but it took a long time to get there, and I almost stopped caring whether he would.

Mariah on the other hand had a character arc that was believable and made sense to me. She may have made some poor choices along the way, but she was trying to do right by Thomas and her decisions were always based on family. Her growth and an individual and a woman was quite amazing, especially considering this is historical fiction at a time women had little to no voice or place in society without a man.

Also, the history of the Irish within Canada was very interesting. My roots are partly Irish so I felt a great deal of sympathy for how they were treated and how they were trying to find a place in society against great discrimination.

[librarylovestory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unrest is a historical fiction novel by author Gwen Tuinman that I requested by chance on NetGalley after reading the synopsis and realising the story is set very close to home, but in the 1800s. It contained references to many places I know and love. Historical fiction is not my usual genre, but I am so happy I picked this one up, as it did not disappoint and I easily give it five stars. This book deserves much more attention!

This story was very well written and can be followed easily, even for non-history people like me! This book is set in Bytown (present-day Ottawa) in the 1800s and discusses the tensions between the poor Irish, the working-class French, and the rich English and Scots. I learned a lot about the mayhem and lawlessness that roamed the streets of Bytown, as well as gang activity (or early-day terrorism if you ask me!). A family drama is woven into this story, yet also discusses the roles of (or curses of being) women in a very patriarchal society. This is a story about violence, family, love, and also strength. I was also pleased with the ending.

Read if you like:
⏳ Historical fiction
🗡 Chaos and mayhem
🇨🇦 Canadian history
💪 Strong women

🙏 Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the gifted electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unrest by Gwen Tuinman gives the reader a very interesting history of the Bytown (Ottawa) Ontario area in 1836. Jam packed with drunken Irishmen, ladies of ill repute, snooty English folk and the life of the downtrodden, this book is a great historical fiction read.
Mariah lives with her sister and brother-in-law and their three /four children. She was scarred as a teenager after a dog attacked and bit her face. With very little hope of ever finding a husband, she lives there, basically treated as a servant, by her sister (Biddy) and her children. Pregnant with another child, Biddy is left to keep the home while her husband goes away for the winter to chop wood and bring home some money. The house catches fire and the family is forced to live with friends. Unfortunately, Biddy blames her for the fire and Mariah leaves. With no options on how to live with no money, Mariah must make her way in a man’s world.
I really enjoyed this book. It dragged in a few places but those were minor glitches during my reading time. Rate at 4.5
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys Canadian historical fiction. You’ll learn about Irish immigrants, the Shiners, the Ottawa area and Peter Aylen (a real person).

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for my eARC.