The Americans Are Coming

by Herb Curtis

The Americans Are Coming, the first novel of The Brennen Siding Trilogy, introduces teenagers Dryfly Ramsey and Shadrack Nash, poor and ignorant in the world’s terms, but rich in the lore of the woods and the magical Miramichi River. Among the Brennen Siding folk who help them grow up (sometimes none too gently) are Shirley Ramsey, the homely, destitute mother of Dry and his 10 brothers and sisters; Nutbeam, a floppy-eared hermit who falls in love with Shirley; the American salmon anglers buying up the riverfront just as fast as they can; and the local men who guide them in their pursuit of the legendary Atlantic salmon.

Genres: Canada

263 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1989

Reviews

[Jonesy.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could be about any back woods community in Atlantic Canada. It is oddly relatable, we all know of a Shirley Ramsey, or a family like the Nash's.
The theme throughout though, is no matter who you are or where you come from you can have a happy life, as long as you don't give up on your self.

[Jody Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book in school, grade 11 English class - Mr. Dack Silliker's classroom (horrible at teaching English). This is the 1st book in a trilogy series, which keeps getting better and better as you read on. However, this particular book is stellar in its imagery and literary poise, especially to a born-and-raised Miramichier! It's like a reference story to things we M'chiers already know about where we reside. The novel is funny, heart-warming/breaking (in spots), and the characters are sometimes dull, but wonderful all the same. Herb Curtis is a very gifted writer, and I'd like to meet him someday - perhaps sooner than later!

I recommend this book to anyone, especially people from Miramichi and surrounding areas (or even the whole of New Brunswick).

[Vicki McEwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

For sure another "don't judge a book by its cover" or in this case (as well) by its back cover (synopsis). To be honest, initailly the only attraction I had to this book was that it was published by Goose Lane Editions, Fredericton New Brunswick. I'm glad I read it. It was a cute story and very easy to read (light reading). The characters are well developed and to say the least unique. Curtis takes some fitting shots at our neighbors to the south.Koodoos to Herb Curtis and Goose Lane.

[Kevin Gallan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a homage to the people of the miramichi and a wonderful read

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still think of those characters!