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Unconventional Daughters
Would you marry your stepfather?
This situation is one of many dilemmas facing the women of a family separated by the Atlantic Ocean and a world of secrets and deception. Can Eva Carroll, a young feminist and budding journalist, have a happy marriage to her stepfather, and manage to placate the conventions of the day?
It’s 1920. The Great War is over. Everyone is optimistic. Eva is the daughter of one of three sisters who have already been leading unorthodox lives. Although born in Boston, she now lives with her mother Elisabet, stepfather, and Swedish grandparents in the small Canadian coastal town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Somewhat naive, Eva falls in love with her stepfather, only nine years her senior. When he seduces her, and her mother is told of the affair, Elisabet surprisingly condones the relationship.
But she imposes a condition — her daughter and her second husband must marry after she divorces him.
In the meantime, Eva’s two aunts living in Sweden decide to move to Canada to rejoin their sister. One aunt, obsessed with social status, has bought her title of ‘countess’, while the other has a quiet loving relationship with her female housemate. When the three sisters get together, their family background in Sweden is laid shockingly bare as they learn the truth about their parents and a brother they had never known.
As it’s almost impossible to keep Eva’s marriage to her stepfather quiet in this conservative community during the Roaring ‘20s, Eva and her family are subsequently shunned by many of the townspeople.
When Eva finds herself caught in the middle of the rivalries among the three sisters, and a growing mental health issue concerning one of them, her marriage becomes threatened. Now her future is faced with unexpected personal turmoil in the midst of the Great Depression.
Unconventional Daughters is the first book in a series of family sagas nestled in unique historical settings. If you like compelling characters, fascinating locales, and surprising plot twists, then you’ll love Bruce W. Bishop’s debut page-turner.
Purchase your copy today and unlock the secrets of Eva Carroll’s unusual family! Available in paperback and eBook.
This situation is one of many dilemmas facing the women of a family separated by the Atlantic Ocean and a world of secrets and deception. Can Eva Carroll, a young feminist and budding journalist, have a happy marriage to her stepfather, and manage to placate the conventions of the day?
It’s 1920. The Great War is over. Everyone is optimistic. Eva is the daughter of one of three sisters who have already been leading unorthodox lives. Although born in Boston, she now lives with her mother Elisabet, stepfather, and Swedish grandparents in the small Canadian coastal town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Somewhat naive, Eva falls in love with her stepfather, only nine years her senior. When he seduces her, and her mother is told of the affair, Elisabet surprisingly condones the relationship.
But she imposes a condition — her daughter and her second husband must marry after she divorces him.
In the meantime, Eva’s two aunts living in Sweden decide to move to Canada to rejoin their sister. One aunt, obsessed with social status, has bought her title of ‘countess’, while the other has a quiet loving relationship with her female housemate. When the three sisters get together, their family background in Sweden is laid shockingly bare as they learn the truth about their parents and a brother they had never known.
As it’s almost impossible to keep Eva’s marriage to her stepfather quiet in this conservative community during the Roaring ‘20s, Eva and her family are subsequently shunned by many of the townspeople.
When Eva finds herself caught in the middle of the rivalries among the three sisters, and a growing mental health issue concerning one of them, her marriage becomes threatened. Now her future is faced with unexpected personal turmoil in the midst of the Great Depression.
Unconventional Daughters is the first book in a series of family sagas nestled in unique historical settings. If you like compelling characters, fascinating locales, and surprising plot twists, then you’ll love Bruce W. Bishop’s debut page-turner.
Purchase your copy today and unlock the secrets of Eva Carroll’s unusual family! Available in paperback and eBook.
322 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2020
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Bruce W. Bishop
5 books12 followersBruce W. Bishop was born and raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, which is the predominant setting for Unconventional Daughters. He received his post-secondary degrees from Saint Mary’s University (a.k.a. SMU in Halifax) and the Ontario College of Art & Design University (a.k.a. OCAD in Toronto) and began a freelance writing career in 1997.
His articles and photos have appeared in over 100 print and online publications in Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and Brazil. His contributions to several guidebook publishers included Fodor’s and DK Eyewitness Guides, and he was principal writer for the Michelin Green Guide to Atlantic Canada and authored the Marco Polo Guide to Muskoka. He won the first Cayman Islands Award in Caribbean Travel Writing.
His articles and photos have appeared in over 100 print and online publications in Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and Brazil. His contributions to several guidebook publishers included Fodor’s and DK Eyewitness Guides, and he was principal writer for the Michelin Green Guide to Atlantic Canada and authored the Marco Polo Guide to Muskoka. He won the first Cayman Islands Award in Caribbean Travel Writing.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 1, 2022
Where to start? First of all, note that I did not read the Kindle Edition but a trade paperback one purchased at my local book store, and signed by the author.
This historical novel (although the saga begins in Sweden) is set mainly in Nova Scotia, and many of the places, street names, etc., are oh, so familiar to me, being Nova Scotia born and bred. Many historical events are referred to in greater or lesser detail, including the Roaring 20's and the Great Depression. Yarmouth and Halifax in bygone years come to life in your mind, thanks to the talented pen of Bruce Bishop.
The story chronicles the life of Eva, her mother Elisabet, and her two aunts ... all of whom are unconventional and unorthodox, each in her own way. The entire family is filled with secrets and deceptions, several generations worth, from Boston to Gothenburg to Yarmouth to Halifax.
Each chapter references where it takes place, and the date, which I liked because so many novels jump from place to place and year to year and character to character, leaving the reader to figure out the where, when, who.
I won't go into any detail of the actual story, as I don't want to spoil it for future readers ... just know that the book includes history, compelling characters, and more than one plot twist.
This historical novel (although the saga begins in Sweden) is set mainly in Nova Scotia, and many of the places, street names, etc., are oh, so familiar to me, being Nova Scotia born and bred. Many historical events are referred to in greater or lesser detail, including the Roaring 20's and the Great Depression. Yarmouth and Halifax in bygone years come to life in your mind, thanks to the talented pen of Bruce Bishop.
The story chronicles the life of Eva, her mother Elisabet, and her two aunts ... all of whom are unconventional and unorthodox, each in her own way. The entire family is filled with secrets and deceptions, several generations worth, from Boston to Gothenburg to Yarmouth to Halifax.
Each chapter references where it takes place, and the date, which I liked because so many novels jump from place to place and year to year and character to character, leaving the reader to figure out the where, when, who.
I won't go into any detail of the actual story, as I don't want to spoil it for future readers ... just know that the book includes history, compelling characters, and more than one plot twist.
December 26, 2022
The scandalous tagline is 'would you marry your stepfather,' and the story is based on a situation where a woman did. The author invented the circumstances that led to that situation, and made it seem reasonable, while also exploring the awkward consequences. However, the story concerns not just that unconventional daughter and that marriage, but her two equally unconventional sisters and their long-lost brother, over many decades. Their lives are intertwined with major events (the sinking of the Titanic, the Halifax Explosion) and local history (houses and hotels in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, the author's home).
At times the story, with its connection to many 1920 events, reminded me of the Woody Allen film Zelig. At other times, I was reminded of Munro's Lives of Girls and Women. However, in this era, Bishop can be considerably more open about queer relationships and their reception in small towns than the 'blink and you miss it' references in Munro's book.
Bishop covers a lot of events in the lives of many characters, and a lot of issues, and the resulting broad view means incidents may lack emotional depth. Some characters and situations are left unexplored or unresolved, and I did not find the ending completely satisfactory. However, I was delighted to learn a few nuggets of Nova Scotia history, and people familiar with the Yarmouth area would likely learn more. The author has provided a detailed list of the referenced locations. I was also pleased to see the representations of unconventional relationships, and the acknowledgements of small-town dismay of those, along with anti-immigrant sentiments, racism, and other less pleasant aspects of local history.
The bulk of the story-telling is from one or another woman's perspective. There is great exploration of women's historically limited options and roles, and how they suffer from that, or try to overcome it. On reflection, I'm unsure if the book supports being unconventional, or warns against it. I did note, however, that the happiness of several characters comes when their husbands drop dead, and that reminded me of a passage from Our Bodies, Ourselves, where a woman celebrates the freedom of going to bed when she wants, after decades of her husband declaring bedtime.
The strong representation of social issues and local history make this a good read.
At times the story, with its connection to many 1920 events, reminded me of the Woody Allen film Zelig. At other times, I was reminded of Munro's Lives of Girls and Women. However, in this era, Bishop can be considerably more open about queer relationships and their reception in small towns than the 'blink and you miss it' references in Munro's book.
Bishop covers a lot of events in the lives of many characters, and a lot of issues, and the resulting broad view means incidents may lack emotional depth. Some characters and situations are left unexplored or unresolved, and I did not find the ending completely satisfactory. However, I was delighted to learn a few nuggets of Nova Scotia history, and people familiar with the Yarmouth area would likely learn more. The author has provided a detailed list of the referenced locations. I was also pleased to see the representations of unconventional relationships, and the acknowledgements of small-town dismay of those, along with anti-immigrant sentiments, racism, and other less pleasant aspects of local history.
The bulk of the story-telling is from one or another woman's perspective. There is great exploration of women's historically limited options and roles, and how they suffer from that, or try to overcome it. On reflection, I'm unsure if the book supports being unconventional, or warns against it. I did note, however, that the happiness of several characters comes when their husbands drop dead, and that reminded me of a passage from Our Bodies, Ourselves, where a woman celebrates the freedom of going to bed when she wants, after decades of her husband declaring bedtime.
The strong representation of social issues and local history make this a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2021
Incredible book, action packed full of drama!
October 31, 2021
The story of a young woman who marries her stepfather manages to mention every event of the era including the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Spanish flu, the Halifax explosion, a shell exploding in Halifax (in the morning and it being announced nearby—5 streets away—only in the evening!), women being admitted to Olympic equestrian competitions, the expulsion of the Acadians, the 1929 stock market crash, the 1930s depression, the opening of Yarmouth’s Lakeside Inn, and Amelia Earhart’s visit to Wedgeport.
It also attempts to include many social issues: women’s right to vote, same-sex relationships, segregation, adoption, and things like electroconvulsive therapy and lobotomy.
He seems to try to mention every community in Yarmouth County: Port Maitland and beach, Overton, Brooklyn, Wedgeport, Darling’s Lake (and Churchill Mansion), Dayton, Deerfield, Pleasant Valley.
Uses “telegraph” when it should have been “telegram,“ uses the word “bemused” incorrectly (twice), says “literally looking at the stars” in reference to a celebrity (which is not a literal star), uses “equally as” (which is redundant), one of the characters has Alzheimer’s, which others seem to be unfamiliar with (dementia has always been around), and has Town Point Cemetery facing the Tusket River but it’s really facing the Chebogue River.
In all, a weird story; “unconventional” is appropriate.
It also attempts to include many social issues: women’s right to vote, same-sex relationships, segregation, adoption, and things like electroconvulsive therapy and lobotomy.
He seems to try to mention every community in Yarmouth County: Port Maitland and beach, Overton, Brooklyn, Wedgeport, Darling’s Lake (and Churchill Mansion), Dayton, Deerfield, Pleasant Valley.
Uses “telegraph” when it should have been “telegram,“ uses the word “bemused” incorrectly (twice), says “literally looking at the stars” in reference to a celebrity (which is not a literal star), uses “equally as” (which is redundant), one of the characters has Alzheimer’s, which others seem to be unfamiliar with (dementia has always been around), and has Town Point Cemetery facing the Tusket River but it’s really facing the Chebogue River.
In all, a weird story; “unconventional” is appropriate.
January 28, 2022
'Daughters' is a family saga set in Yarmouth, a small Canadian coastal town in Nova Scotia, Canada in the 1920s. This is no stuffy historical fiction - the language is relatable and the storytelling rich and dynamic, filled with twists and revelations. I honestly struggled to put it down. 😎
The tagline for this book is 'Would you marry your stepfather? Which is a curious concept to draw us in but there's so much more to this book than the juicy central plot.
Bishop does an amazing job of recreating Yarmouth and the surrounding areas in the 1920s - I got a real sense of how it must have been. Not only that - the story is set against a backdrop of real historical events which are truly fascinating.
If that weren't enough he covers a wide range of social issues from the time which are still as relevant today - he does it with a lot of heart and the book shines as a result.
Then there's the characters - they're so well developed and there is one Aunty in particular - 'Countess Kararina De Carminati' who I could not get enough of. She has a questionably high opinion of herself and it makes for some highly entertaining reading!
An incredible, unforgettable debut. I've since read the follow-up book' Uncommon Sons' and it's just as good - I can't wait for book three.
The tagline for this book is 'Would you marry your stepfather? Which is a curious concept to draw us in but there's so much more to this book than the juicy central plot.
Bishop does an amazing job of recreating Yarmouth and the surrounding areas in the 1920s - I got a real sense of how it must have been. Not only that - the story is set against a backdrop of real historical events which are truly fascinating.
If that weren't enough he covers a wide range of social issues from the time which are still as relevant today - he does it with a lot of heart and the book shines as a result.
Then there's the characters - they're so well developed and there is one Aunty in particular - 'Countess Kararina De Carminati' who I could not get enough of. She has a questionably high opinion of herself and it makes for some highly entertaining reading!
An incredible, unforgettable debut. I've since read the follow-up book' Uncommon Sons' and it's just as good - I can't wait for book three.
December 5, 2020
The majority of this novel takes place in my hometown of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. It begins in the late 1800’s and encompasses several decades into the 20th century. The author obviously did meticulous historical research after having his interest piqued by old letters given to him as a young man. He incorporates it all well into the unfolding story of three sisters and their adoptive parents, immigrants from Sweden. The family face numerous trials and tribulations set against the backdrop of the sweeping events of the time period. While it will definitely be of interest to locals of Yarmouth, I think it will be enjoyed by anyone who likes a good family drama and an interesting study of family dynamics.
December 28, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It was so well written with lots of history in it. I think I really enjoyed it because I lived in Halifax for 9 years and was familiar with many places. I was surprised that my sister in law (Vancouver) did not feel the same way. We both concluded it was because she was unfamiliar with the places Bruce talked about. I said that’s exactly how I felt about A Curve in Time which took place out her way. I loved that this book was actually based on a true story, where the daughter married her step father! I think Bruce really did a lot of research to write about so many interesting and historical facts! I look forward to Bruce’s next book!
February 28, 2021
A historical fiction told from a family perspective. The story is told mainly by women which I thoroughly enjoyed. Over years and generations of the family they suffer many a tragedy as their lives are interwoven with drama. Scandalous intimacies and betrayals. I enjoyed reading this book and was left wanting to find out more about the future of the characters.
April 18, 2022
Written by an author from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, this book was both entertaining and informative, covering periods in Nova Scotian history such as the Halifax Explosion and the Spanish Flu to homosexuality and unconventional marriages. To read about places I've visited myself is a unique experience.
I enjoyed this story immensely and am looking forward to reading Bruce Bishop's second book, "Uncommon Sons".
I enjoyed this story immensely and am looking forward to reading Bruce Bishop's second book, "Uncommon Sons".
June 6, 2021
The majority of this book takes place in my hometown, Yarmouth Nova Scotia and does an excellent job of showcasing the town, it's history and also the architecture of the character houses. The author, Bruce Bishop does a wonderful job weaving historical facts and events with likeable and relatable characters interwoven with drama, secrets, and scandal.
The interactions of the women throughout the novel allows us to follow the family dynamics throughout the ages.
This book is well worth reading!
The interactions of the women throughout the novel allows us to follow the family dynamics throughout the ages.
This book is well worth reading!
June 19, 2021
Really enjoyed meeting the daughters!looking forward to the upcoming book.
Loved the period and the historical events that served as backdrop to these characters.
Loved the period and the historical events that served as backdrop to these characters.
August 10, 2024
This was such an interesting novel! The story unfolds over decades, which can be challenging, but Bishop does an admirable job of keeping us interested in the characters over time. Each is unusual and intriguing with their own, often flawed, distinctive personality. I really got involved with them and wanted to know how things would turn out.
It was also fascinating to learn something about the history of Nova Scotia. The historical happenings were skillfully woven into the story, and showed how they affected the characters. All in all, a very satisfying read!
It was also fascinating to learn something about the history of Nova Scotia. The historical happenings were skillfully woven into the story, and showed how they affected the characters. All in all, a very satisfying read!
February 17, 2025
A great read
I recently finished reading unconventional daughters by Bruce Bishop. Since I’m Canadian, I enjoyed reading about Nova Scotia history and about fictitious families that lived in Yarmouth and Halifax at the time. The stories of the main family captured my attention to the point where I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I recently finished reading unconventional daughters by Bruce Bishop. Since I’m Canadian, I enjoyed reading about Nova Scotia history and about fictitious families that lived in Yarmouth and Halifax at the time. The stories of the main family captured my attention to the point where I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
November 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I really enjoy historical fiction, especially fiction that takes place in the first half of the 20th century, and Bruce Bishop has a remarkable way of capturing an era in exacting detail. But what makes this story truly special is how Bishop integrates themes that are just as relevant today. What a great read!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews