STREAM RUNS FAST

by Nellie L. McClung

Following the reissue in 2005 of Nellie McClung's classic autobiography, "Clearing in the West," comes the highly anticipated second volume, "The Stream Runs Fast."

Covering McClung's later life from 1896 to 1945, "The Stream Runs Fast" chronicles her life during some of the most important events in Canadian history, including the First and Second World Wars and The Great Depression. It also contains her personal account of the Famous Five case in 1927, in which she sought, along with four other female activists, the right for women to be recognized as "person" under the law. This law, which allowed women to be elected to the Senate, was a major step toward the entrance of women into Canadian politics.

As one of Canada's first female political and social activists, this account of the second half of McClung's life also documents her thoughts, feelings and contributions on behalf of women, immigrants, children and the poor. In addition "The Stream Runs Fas"t is a record of McClung's personal life throughout these years, providing a vivid and intimate portrait of life in early twentieth-century Canada.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, History, Autobiography, Canada, Biography

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Nellie McClung, born Nellie Letitia Mooney (20 October 1873 – 1 September 1951), was a Canadian feminist, politician, and social activist. She was a part of the social and moral reform movements prevalent in Western Canada in the early 1900s. In 1927, McClung and four other women: Henrietta Muir Edwards, Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney and Irene Parlby, who together came to be known as "The Famous Five" (also called "The Valiant Five")[citation needed], launched the "Persons Case," contending that women could be "qualified persons" eligible to sit in the Senate. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that current law did not recognize them as such. However, the case was won upon appeal to the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council—the court of last resort for Canada at that time.
She published her first novel Sowing Seeds in Danny in 1908. A national bestseller, it was succeeded by short stories and articles in several Canadian and American magazines.

Reviews

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of two memoirs, this book picks up on Nellie McClung's wedding day and follows the first book about her childhood titled Clearing in the West: My Own Story. This memoir provides a window into her life as wife, mother, and political activist who worked for women's suffrage among other important social issues, although she is modest about her own role. It provides an interesting perspective on how people lived in Western Canada through two world wars and a depression. Most of all, it is just so well-written that I enjoyed every word. The author could easily have been a successful writer rather than a politician, and she did in fact publish several novels. Her faith in human nature, her love of life, and her optimism about the future must have made her lovely person to know.

[Knitography · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't exactly what I was hoping for; rather than being a chronological story of a life, each chapter is a self-contained portrayal of a particular period or event. If you're looking for an in-depth first person account of the suffrage movement you won't find that here; McClung touches on that topic, but you don't get a sense of the passion that had to have driven her to work so tirelessly, and against such strenuous opposition, to secure the vote for Canadian women.

What you do get is a bit of insight into Nellie McClung the person, not just through what she says but how she says it, and what is left unsaid. It's also an interesting window into a very different time. Though she was very liberal on some social issues, her stance on others (colonialism, for instance) was very much of its time - understandable, but sort of startling nevertheless.

Lastly, The Stream Runs Fast provides a look back at a Canada - the Prairies in particular - that is, for the most part, long gone. Sparsely populated and geographically and climatically challenging, it would have been a feat of perseverence for McClung to have traveled from village to village and city to city as she did, working for social justice.

[Lise Mayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Canadian would benefit from reading this book. It tells the history of the women's movement from its inception, the difficulties women had in obtaining suffrage, and also gives details on life in the early 1900's. McClung is a very good writer. She paints an accurate, unsentimental view of her experiences and she gives credit to her compatriots, expressing her admiration for Louise McKinney and Emily Murphy in particular. Women today often take for granted what these pioneers achieved.

[Cathleen Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in my Grandmother's collection and enjoyed feeling connected to her with the reading.
Nellie has a turn of phrase which is adorable and an unwavering commitment to her faith which includes Temperance (my Gramma was WCTU as well).
She was not afraid to offend the powerful in her speaking out for women and minorities. She lead a life of privilege but attempted to use this power and access for the benefit of others.

[Connie Maier · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wonderfully written! Learned so much about our Canadian history and the fight for the rights of women in such recent history. Highly recommend!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A star less because of her strident lead in Alberta’s sterilization campaign. Just pages later, she’s appalled at the subhuman treatment of Hindus in BC, without a mote of awareness. And yes, this was about a century ago, and I am humbled by her work and those of others, but nonetheless, imperfect people.