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Ananias
When Ananias Case boards a ship in Fowey, England in 1826 bound for Carbonear, Newfoundland, he’s not looking for adventure; he’s a man on the run. The strictures of class division are left in the wake, while a fractured society in the throes of rapid evolution awaits beyond the sea. An historical novel based on real events, Ananias is the story of a man seeking a new life while struggling with the ghosts of his past. This sweeping adventure of discovery, connection and heartache is also a moving tribute to a rugged island place and its people.
- GenresHistorical FictionCanada
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
3 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
James Case
1 book9 followersBorn and raised in downtown St. John’s, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, James Case practiced architecture for forty years. After working professionally throughout Atlantic Canada and for extended periods in Australia, Quebec, Korea and Norway, he formed Sheppard Case Architects in 2000 and LAT49 Architecture Inc. in 2014.
James has been a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada since 1995 and was inaugurated into the RAIC College of Fellows in 2016. In 2019, he was granted Honorary Life Membership in the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Architects.
James’ projects have been featured in Canadian Architect and Domus, with notable recent works that include the award winning Fortis Place in St. John’s and the internationally acclaimed Fogo Island Inn at Joe Batts Arm. James sold his architectural practice and retired in 2018. He has since returned to his first love — writing.
James divides his time between St. John's and Salmon Cove with his long-suffering wife of four decades, Cindy, and their Irish Wolfhounds, Tully and Belle.
James has been a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada since 1995 and was inaugurated into the RAIC College of Fellows in 2016. In 2019, he was granted Honorary Life Membership in the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Architects.
James’ projects have been featured in Canadian Architect and Domus, with notable recent works that include the award winning Fortis Place in St. John’s and the internationally acclaimed Fogo Island Inn at Joe Batts Arm. James sold his architectural practice and retired in 2018. He has since returned to his first love — writing.
James divides his time between St. John's and Salmon Cove with his long-suffering wife of four decades, Cindy, and their Irish Wolfhounds, Tully and Belle.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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December 6, 2020I read Ananias today by James Case a retired architect from Newfoundland. It was shockingly good. As historical fiction I got as much joy out of reading this novel as I did from any of the english classics such as Wuthering Heights or Pride and Prejudice. It was extremely well written and researched. There are several outstanding authors in Atlantic Canada and I would put Jim in that group.
January 25, 2021
A wonderful novel that transports the reader to the harsh, yet simplistic and romantic, elements of life in 19th century Britain and her dominion of Newfoundland. This is a story of skeletons in closets and ghosts of the mind. This colourful novel will intrigue the reader and make them want to turn the page, yet never want the story to end.
The accuracy of Newfoundland dialect and charm of the characters will make anyone believe they know them as their own kin. The relevance of the protagonist- Ananias Case, to any reader can be found simply by way of dealing with love, loss, and liberty as he is forced to grow up faster in order to adapt and survive. The harsh reality of his situation and the roller coaster of emotions makes it truly unavoidable not to cheer for him and pray for a positive outcome.
The biblical analogies, meaningful metaphors, historically accurate harsh employment opportunities, and charming friendships are laced throughout the novel. With an offering of brilliant typical Newfoundland wit, the characters presented will make anyone with a connection to Newfoundland and Labrador smile, for they will all know someone just like Ananias' friend, Will Parsons, whom is the quintessential sarcastically charming friend we all have.
James Case's first novel proves to be a gem from "the rock" and a must read! If you are searching for a story about second chances, love, true friendship, and adapting to your surroundings in order to survive, this is the novel for you. Grab a cup of tea (or a pint of ale) and prepare for a trip to the 19th Century small kitchens, dark and diabolic public houses, and lit hearths that will warm your heart and soul.
Bravo to James Case on writing this wonderful piece of prose, that is arguabley one of the finest rookie novels to ever come out of NL in recent times.
The accuracy of Newfoundland dialect and charm of the characters will make anyone believe they know them as their own kin. The relevance of the protagonist- Ananias Case, to any reader can be found simply by way of dealing with love, loss, and liberty as he is forced to grow up faster in order to adapt and survive. The harsh reality of his situation and the roller coaster of emotions makes it truly unavoidable not to cheer for him and pray for a positive outcome.
The biblical analogies, meaningful metaphors, historically accurate harsh employment opportunities, and charming friendships are laced throughout the novel. With an offering of brilliant typical Newfoundland wit, the characters presented will make anyone with a connection to Newfoundland and Labrador smile, for they will all know someone just like Ananias' friend, Will Parsons, whom is the quintessential sarcastically charming friend we all have.
James Case's first novel proves to be a gem from "the rock" and a must read! If you are searching for a story about second chances, love, true friendship, and adapting to your surroundings in order to survive, this is the novel for you. Grab a cup of tea (or a pint of ale) and prepare for a trip to the 19th Century small kitchens, dark and diabolic public houses, and lit hearths that will warm your heart and soul.
Bravo to James Case on writing this wonderful piece of prose, that is arguabley one of the finest rookie novels to ever come out of NL in recent times.
January 3, 2021
I read "Ananias" and I loved it. The details woven into the historical facts are captivating. I grew up in the town of Carbonear NL and my father was born in Freshwater CBN, NL in 1913. I learned new facts about the area I call home...for example Marshalls Folly. Never heard of it before reading Ananias!
Well done Mr. Case. I am looking forward to your next one to discover what happens to the real character Ananias as he builds his life in 19th century Newfoundland.
Well done Mr. Case. I am looking forward to your next one to discover what happens to the real character Ananias as he builds his life in 19th century Newfoundland.
November 12, 2021
Engrossing portrayal of early nineteenth century life in rural Newfoundland, - where fishing provides not only livelihood, income and sustenance, but also the salt cod used as barter to trade for all essentials not grown or produced on the island - goods delivered by merchant ships cross-crossing the Atlantic in weather both fair and foul, fueling the life-blood of the economy as well as feeding the isolated community much needed news and broader social intercourse.
The book follows the true-life story of one young man, Ananias (Annie) Case, based in Bridport, England, who, unable to avoid a terrible conflict, finds himself on the wrong side of the law. On the run, boarding a ship setting sail for Newfoundland, - Annie’s plan is nothing more than grasping a vague promise of a new life and a fresh start in a world with only tenuous links to his own.
“Like the ancient mariner, you end up paying for your sins. Problem is that you don’t always know when or how you’ve sinned. That’s the bewildering part. And when all is said and done, finding joy again can be elusive.”
Graced with education, but burdened by the parameters of his less than enviable social class, Annie must find himself a place and a new life In a culture rife with physical hardship, religious asceticism, poverty and the brutal vagaries of winter storms, blinding fog, and rampant illness.
None of which is as difficult for Annie to master as his overarching, always present, deep to his core, guilt and shame, - a constant reminder of the secret he holds; his forced alienation from his loved ones; his life so profoundly altered.
“Grief is like a keg full of regrets and recollections with only so much room. So you gotta seal her up tight. Good on lonely nights - but she’ll run dry so you can’t binge on it. Won’t do nobody any good.”
Rich with immersive detail and impeccably researched, this book is a marvel. Based on the life of his great-great-great-grandfather, and undoubtedly a labor of love for the author, I read this book with no labor and much love for this bright, broken and best-intentioned young man. Without giving the plot away (no spoilers here), I found Annie and his journey equal parts tragic and inspiring, losing myself entirely to the historical context, of which I knew very little.
A great big thank you to the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
The book follows the true-life story of one young man, Ananias (Annie) Case, based in Bridport, England, who, unable to avoid a terrible conflict, finds himself on the wrong side of the law. On the run, boarding a ship setting sail for Newfoundland, - Annie’s plan is nothing more than grasping a vague promise of a new life and a fresh start in a world with only tenuous links to his own.
“Like the ancient mariner, you end up paying for your sins. Problem is that you don’t always know when or how you’ve sinned. That’s the bewildering part. And when all is said and done, finding joy again can be elusive.”
Graced with education, but burdened by the parameters of his less than enviable social class, Annie must find himself a place and a new life In a culture rife with physical hardship, religious asceticism, poverty and the brutal vagaries of winter storms, blinding fog, and rampant illness.
None of which is as difficult for Annie to master as his overarching, always present, deep to his core, guilt and shame, - a constant reminder of the secret he holds; his forced alienation from his loved ones; his life so profoundly altered.
“Grief is like a keg full of regrets and recollections with only so much room. So you gotta seal her up tight. Good on lonely nights - but she’ll run dry so you can’t binge on it. Won’t do nobody any good.”
Rich with immersive detail and impeccably researched, this book is a marvel. Based on the life of his great-great-great-grandfather, and undoubtedly a labor of love for the author, I read this book with no labor and much love for this bright, broken and best-intentioned young man. Without giving the plot away (no spoilers here), I found Annie and his journey equal parts tragic and inspiring, losing myself entirely to the historical context, of which I knew very little.
A great big thank you to the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
February 21, 2023
I was recommended this book by my Step mother in law. It did not disappoint
this book is a marvel. It transported me back to the early 1800’s Great Britain and The Dominion of Newfoundland
I found Ananias and his journey tragic but inspiring, losing myself entirely to the historical context, of which I knew very little.
If your looking for a story about sexind chances, true friendship love and survival then this is the book for you. So, grab a cup if tea and let this book take you back to the 19th century.
this book is a marvel. It transported me back to the early 1800’s Great Britain and The Dominion of Newfoundland
I found Ananias and his journey tragic but inspiring, losing myself entirely to the historical context, of which I knew very little.
If your looking for a story about sexind chances, true friendship love and survival then this is the book for you. So, grab a cup if tea and let this book take you back to the 19th century.
March 17, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up because I think this is really well written. Not sure how to explain, but this book reads like a classic. I found the time period and setting more interesting than the characters.
December 12, 2020
Great read. The writing is terrific and the plot, gripping. May be of particular interest to those who have been to or live in Newfoundland or the UK.
January 1, 2022
Amazing read!
Had history, humour, suspense, romance.
Had history, humour, suspense, romance.
April 11, 2023
Ananias Case was my 4th Great Grandfather on my maternal side. My Nanny and Poppy were Lloyd Case and Margaret Rose Case from Salmon Cove, Newfoundland. Such a fascinating story!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews