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My Mother's Daughter
A raw and affecting memoir about a mother and daughter who beat the odds together.
Perdita Felicien's story is woven into her mother's like an intricate braid. To understand Perdita's story, you must know Catherine's.
From the beginning, Catherine was larger than life. At seventeen years old, she was determined and tenacious, and longing to experience a better life. But she was also pregnant with her second child, and just scraping by in St. Lucia by selling homemade jewellery on the beach. So when she met a wealthy white Canadian family vacationing on the island, she knew she'd found her chance. After babysitting the couple's infant son for two weeks, she asked them to bring her to Canada and employ her as a nanny. Somehow, they agreed.
This was the beginning of Catherine's new life: a life of great opportunity, but also profound suffering. Within a few years, she would find herself pregnant a third time--this time in a new country, Canada, with no family supporting her, and this time, with Perdita. Together, in the years to come, they would experience poverty, racism, domestic abuse and even homelessness, but Catherine's will would always pull them through.
As Perdita grew and began to discover her preternatural gifts--athleticism at what would one day prove to be an Olympic level--she was edged onward by her mother's love, grit and faith. Facing literal and figurative hurdles, she learned to leap, and pick herself back up when she stumbled. Beautifully written and deeply absorbing, Gold Mettle is a daughter's memoir--a book about the power of a parent's love to transform their child's life.
Perdita Felicien's story is woven into her mother's like an intricate braid. To understand Perdita's story, you must know Catherine's.
From the beginning, Catherine was larger than life. At seventeen years old, she was determined and tenacious, and longing to experience a better life. But she was also pregnant with her second child, and just scraping by in St. Lucia by selling homemade jewellery on the beach. So when she met a wealthy white Canadian family vacationing on the island, she knew she'd found her chance. After babysitting the couple's infant son for two weeks, she asked them to bring her to Canada and employ her as a nanny. Somehow, they agreed.
This was the beginning of Catherine's new life: a life of great opportunity, but also profound suffering. Within a few years, she would find herself pregnant a third time--this time in a new country, Canada, with no family supporting her, and this time, with Perdita. Together, in the years to come, they would experience poverty, racism, domestic abuse and even homelessness, but Catherine's will would always pull them through.
As Perdita grew and began to discover her preternatural gifts--athleticism at what would one day prove to be an Olympic level--she was edged onward by her mother's love, grit and faith. Facing literal and figurative hurdles, she learned to leap, and pick herself back up when she stumbled. Beautifully written and deeply absorbing, Gold Mettle is a daughter's memoir--a book about the power of a parent's love to transform their child's life.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2021
18 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
April 27, 2021
I didn’t know how much I needed this right now. I could not put this one down! I keep trying to sum up how much it made me feel only to delete my sentence because I just can’t find the right words.
September 28, 2021
So much struck me about this book. The first thing to know is that it is really not about sports. Don’t read it if you want in-depth discussions about Perdita’s athletic career and insights into her epic Olympic failure. All of that occupies a very small portion of the page count. Most of it is about her mother Cathy’s immigrant journey to Canada, as an exploited domestic servant and sometime undocumented person, and Perdita’s rise from poverty. Nothing new is really said about any of these but what is profound is the matter-of-fact way in which we learn:
1) the lack of any kind of birth control or fertility education made Cathy’s life much harder than it needed to be. The stoic acceptance of teen pregnancy and the necessity to leave one’s children at home to go abroad to support them is poignantly told; we also get glimpses into how that impacts the children and the maternal bond long-term.
2) the irresponsibility of the fathers of Cathy’s children and their ability to disappear and how this is accepted as normal is shocking and sad
3) the contradiction in Perdita professing her pride and love for Canada after everything it put her mother through is interesting and I wonder how much of the professed pride is really true. As much as Cathy believed Canada was a better place for her children, her undocumented 14 year old daughter faced significant obstacles, not even allowed to attend school for a year and then not fitting in.
4) the way our laws and supports have advanced is encouraging. Women are no longer at the mercy of an abusive man if they require sponsorship for citizenship. Women’s’ shelters don’t kick people out after two months, thus sending them back to the abuser
5) The capacity of a child to love and forgive and want to stay with a parent despite serious failings and poor judgment, as Perdita describes it, highlights why it is so important to keep families together when at all possible
6) Despite the racism, sexism and exploitation, there are several turning points where the kindness of officials makes a real difference in this family’s life; the police officer who refuses to allow the employers to evict Cathy without notice, the immigration official who persuades the hot and cold husband to sponsor his wife, the womens’ shelter staff who select the Felicien family for socialized housing.
7) The importance of public schools, their extra-curricular programming and dedicated teachers to the development and rise from poverty of exceptional children like Perdita
8) The many roadblocks faced by people trying to leave poverty, such as Cathy needing to show she had $5000 in her bank account for Perdita to claim a full scholarship to university. The alienating experience of attending a top school and never having visits from family members and losing a close relationship with many of them. The student athlete policy (that always irritates me) that they cannot claim prize winnings and maintain their status.
9) The importance of a champion- here it is Perdita’s high school boyfriend who talks her into accepting a scholarship when she wasn’t going to.
As for the athletic stuff… she challenges the widely-held belief that her fall at the Athens Olympics was due to not being able to handle the pressure. The revelations about how she was injured such as to miss the Beijing Olympics show how capricious life can be. And I love her honesty about how resentment and jealousy over others reaching the Olympic podium faded when she turned to a second career in broadcasting, writing and speaking - where she seems to shine. This is really a Black Lives Matter story about the resilience of Black women and the strength of the mother-daughter bond, not a sports story.
1) the lack of any kind of birth control or fertility education made Cathy’s life much harder than it needed to be. The stoic acceptance of teen pregnancy and the necessity to leave one’s children at home to go abroad to support them is poignantly told; we also get glimpses into how that impacts the children and the maternal bond long-term.
2) the irresponsibility of the fathers of Cathy’s children and their ability to disappear and how this is accepted as normal is shocking and sad
3) the contradiction in Perdita professing her pride and love for Canada after everything it put her mother through is interesting and I wonder how much of the professed pride is really true. As much as Cathy believed Canada was a better place for her children, her undocumented 14 year old daughter faced significant obstacles, not even allowed to attend school for a year and then not fitting in.
4) the way our laws and supports have advanced is encouraging. Women are no longer at the mercy of an abusive man if they require sponsorship for citizenship. Women’s’ shelters don’t kick people out after two months, thus sending them back to the abuser
5) The capacity of a child to love and forgive and want to stay with a parent despite serious failings and poor judgment, as Perdita describes it, highlights why it is so important to keep families together when at all possible
6) Despite the racism, sexism and exploitation, there are several turning points where the kindness of officials makes a real difference in this family’s life; the police officer who refuses to allow the employers to evict Cathy without notice, the immigration official who persuades the hot and cold husband to sponsor his wife, the womens’ shelter staff who select the Felicien family for socialized housing.
7) The importance of public schools, their extra-curricular programming and dedicated teachers to the development and rise from poverty of exceptional children like Perdita
8) The many roadblocks faced by people trying to leave poverty, such as Cathy needing to show she had $5000 in her bank account for Perdita to claim a full scholarship to university. The alienating experience of attending a top school and never having visits from family members and losing a close relationship with many of them. The student athlete policy (that always irritates me) that they cannot claim prize winnings and maintain their status.
9) The importance of a champion- here it is Perdita’s high school boyfriend who talks her into accepting a scholarship when she wasn’t going to.
As for the athletic stuff… she challenges the widely-held belief that her fall at the Athens Olympics was due to not being able to handle the pressure. The revelations about how she was injured such as to miss the Beijing Olympics show how capricious life can be. And I love her honesty about how resentment and jealousy over others reaching the Olympic podium faded when she turned to a second career in broadcasting, writing and speaking - where she seems to shine. This is really a Black Lives Matter story about the resilience of Black women and the strength of the mother-daughter bond, not a sports story.
April 16, 2021
Yesterday afternoon, my husband arrived home with this book from the library. Today, I reluctantly have closed the book but can't "put it down". This story has left me gobsmacked! I hope that others will read it as I need to process, share and discuss it.
The book shares her mother's story, Perdita's story and their family story... the good, the bad and at times, the ugly. Her mother had to leave her oldest 2 children behind in St. Lucia, traveling to Canada for a better life, to work as a domestic helper, sending money back to her family. In Canada, she found herself pregnant, then a single mother, struggling to make ends meet. Struggling to balance motherhood and work... ending up spending time in a woman's shelter which, with help of subsidized housing, changed their trajectory. with hard work, persistence and, at times, luck Perdita and her mom changed their lives for the better.
Through it all, love and resilience guided Perdita. As they overcame hurdles in their family, it led her to becoming an Olympic hurdler. Many of us may remember her terrible crash at the Olympics but that did not define her and in reading this book, sharing her story, she will help others and lead them towards resilience and hope as they define themselves.
I think ALL Canadian's should read this book!!
The book shares her mother's story, Perdita's story and their family story... the good, the bad and at times, the ugly. Her mother had to leave her oldest 2 children behind in St. Lucia, traveling to Canada for a better life, to work as a domestic helper, sending money back to her family. In Canada, she found herself pregnant, then a single mother, struggling to make ends meet. Struggling to balance motherhood and work... ending up spending time in a woman's shelter which, with help of subsidized housing, changed their trajectory. with hard work, persistence and, at times, luck Perdita and her mom changed their lives for the better.
Through it all, love and resilience guided Perdita. As they overcame hurdles in their family, it led her to becoming an Olympic hurdler. Many of us may remember her terrible crash at the Olympics but that did not define her and in reading this book, sharing her story, she will help others and lead them towards resilience and hope as they define themselves.
I think ALL Canadian's should read this book!!
June 6, 2021
4.5 * this is a young woman all mothers should be proud of
February 5, 2022
A great memoir about the immigrant experience in Canada. I am especially invested in Perdita's story as we get to spend the next couple of weeks with her as part of the CBC Olympics broadcast crew.
July 24, 2021
This is a beautifully written and compelling memoir by Perdita Felicien, born in Canada to a mother from St Lucia who had to overcome poverty, domestic abuse, displacement, immigration hurdles and racism to secure a future for herself and her family in Canada.
Perdita describes in detail her mother’s struggles and ultimate triumph, and her own raw talent and almost accidental path into athletics that culminated in a world hurdles title and qualification for the 2004 Olympics in Greece. The book opens with Perdita in the blocks at the Olympic final of the 100m hurdles, the race of her life. It is an enthralling read, with some really poignant moments and Felicien’s grace, warmth and integrity really shine through.
Perdita describes in detail her mother’s struggles and ultimate triumph, and her own raw talent and almost accidental path into athletics that culminated in a world hurdles title and qualification for the 2004 Olympics in Greece. The book opens with Perdita in the blocks at the Olympic final of the 100m hurdles, the race of her life. It is an enthralling read, with some really poignant moments and Felicien’s grace, warmth and integrity really shine through.
October 11, 2023
Perdita Felicien is an Olympian and world champion hurdler but before that, she and her mom were barely making ends meet as a family. She wrote this memoir as a tribute to her mom who came to Canada under impossible conditions with a large family and few opportunities. This is the story of how Perdita eventually discovered her gift but more about her mother's love, grit, and faith - also passed on to Perdita. I was interested as she will be speaking at the upcoming literary festival at our library and hope to see her in person to hear more about this story.
October 30, 2021
A very well written, touching story.
March 2, 2022
For every first generation Canadian this story is a poignant and inspiring reminder of the extraordinary decision of our parents to come and begin again for us.
June 29, 2023
Imagine being an Olympic athlete and an amazing author.. I loved this book so much, I couldn’t put it down after Part Two
July 15, 2021
Written by the 2003 World Champion and 2004 Canadian Olympic Hurdler, Perdita Felicien, this book is absolutely a love letter from a daughter to her mother, Catherine, as it details both of their life stories. Born in St. Lucia, Cathy grew up incredibly poor having to skip school frequently in order to help her family make money by selling shell necklaces and other jewelry along the beach to tourists. By the age of 17, she already had 2 small children and dreamed of a better life for herself. This dream seemed possible when she meets a Canadian couple who agree to hire her as a domestic helper and bring her back with them to Oshawa, Ontario. There, she works tirelessly to save as much money as she can to send back to her family in St. Lucia.
As much as Catherine believed her life in Canada would be better for her, it definitely wasn't easy. Now pregnant with Perdita, whose father refused to be involved, she must work even harder as a single mother struggling to make ends meet. Money was in short supply and Catherine finds herself in an extremely toxic, volatile, abusive relationship with Bruce, the man who would serve as Perdita's inconsistent, absent father. The persistently horrible treatment by Bruce eventually leads Catherine to move to a women's shelter, and it's there that Catherine's life and the lives of her children finely begin to improve.
With the combination of subsidized housing, hard work, resilience, persistence, luck, and above all, love, Catherine and Perdita are able to change their lives for the better. Perdita gets a scholarship that allows her to attend University in the States where her hurdling career begins and soars. I find it interesting that while Catherine had to persist beyond various physical, mental, and emotional hurdles in her life, Perdita ends up in a career having to surpass many literal hurdles.
Unfortunately, Perdita's Olympic hopes were dashed when she failed to clear the first hurdle and fell into the next lane. Despite that, Perdita talks about the strength she knew she had in herself as a result of her mother which allowed her to pivot her career in a new direction and not let that one setback define her, her abilities, or her career. Both of these women are strong, independent, resilient, and determined to make their dreams come true. This is a must-read for any mother/daughter duos or for anyone needing a reminder that with hard work and determination things CAN work out.
As much as Catherine believed her life in Canada would be better for her, it definitely wasn't easy. Now pregnant with Perdita, whose father refused to be involved, she must work even harder as a single mother struggling to make ends meet. Money was in short supply and Catherine finds herself in an extremely toxic, volatile, abusive relationship with Bruce, the man who would serve as Perdita's inconsistent, absent father. The persistently horrible treatment by Bruce eventually leads Catherine to move to a women's shelter, and it's there that Catherine's life and the lives of her children finely begin to improve.
With the combination of subsidized housing, hard work, resilience, persistence, luck, and above all, love, Catherine and Perdita are able to change their lives for the better. Perdita gets a scholarship that allows her to attend University in the States where her hurdling career begins and soars. I find it interesting that while Catherine had to persist beyond various physical, mental, and emotional hurdles in her life, Perdita ends up in a career having to surpass many literal hurdles.
Unfortunately, Perdita's Olympic hopes were dashed when she failed to clear the first hurdle and fell into the next lane. Despite that, Perdita talks about the strength she knew she had in herself as a result of her mother which allowed her to pivot her career in a new direction and not let that one setback define her, her abilities, or her career. Both of these women are strong, independent, resilient, and determined to make their dreams come true. This is a must-read for any mother/daughter duos or for anyone needing a reminder that with hard work and determination things CAN work out.
July 3, 2022
This book was an amazing read. "A memoir of struggle and triumph" and it was truly that. Perdita Felicien, Canadian Olympian and World Champion, tell her family's story, starting from her mother's, Catherine's, childhood in St. Lucia. The way Catherine pushed through challenge after challenge, hurdle over hurdle, to give her family a better life, was extremely inspiring and takes us into the lives of the hardships of immigrating to a country where people are promised more opportunities.
Perdita, ironically, becoming a professional hurdler, faced her own internal challenges with mental health and her family, and literal challenges as an athlete, having to surmount injuries and disappointments, but still staying strong and following her dream. While reading the parts Perdita was describing the races, I was on the edge of my seat as if I was in that stadium with everyone.
I loved how My Mother's Daughter was a love letter to Perdita's mom. How proud they both of each other and how much they supported each other throughout their lives and hardships, and continue to do so to this day, is truly inspiring and heartwarming.
The book was an easy read and hard to put down.
Perdita, ironically, becoming a professional hurdler, faced her own internal challenges with mental health and her family, and literal challenges as an athlete, having to surmount injuries and disappointments, but still staying strong and following her dream. While reading the parts Perdita was describing the races, I was on the edge of my seat as if I was in that stadium with everyone.
I loved how My Mother's Daughter was a love letter to Perdita's mom. How proud they both of each other and how much they supported each other throughout their lives and hardships, and continue to do so to this day, is truly inspiring and heartwarming.
The book was an easy read and hard to put down.
April 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this memoir written by Canadian Olympian and World champion, Perdita Felicien.
You don’t need to be Canadian or interested in Olympic athletes to read this moving book – so many of the themes are universal, especially the love of a mother.
While I was certainly interested in how Felicien rose to the top her field (pun intended) as a hurdler, I was most invested in the part of her life story that preceded her birth. Felicien attributes much of her success to the tenacity, hard work and perseverance of her mother Cathy who immigrated to Canada from St. Lucia with the hope of creating opportunities for herself and her children. Even though I knew Perdita was a Canadian citizen, my heart was in my throat as I read about her mother’s struggles to become a Canadian citizen.
Like many immigrant stories, this memoir drives home the truth that no one leaves behind their homeland unless forced to for one reason or another. I feel so fortunate to have been born in Canada and to never have experienced the need to seek safety and prosperity beyond my country’s borders. Not everyone is so lucky.
You don’t need to be Canadian or interested in Olympic athletes to read this moving book – so many of the themes are universal, especially the love of a mother.
While I was certainly interested in how Felicien rose to the top her field (pun intended) as a hurdler, I was most invested in the part of her life story that preceded her birth. Felicien attributes much of her success to the tenacity, hard work and perseverance of her mother Cathy who immigrated to Canada from St. Lucia with the hope of creating opportunities for herself and her children. Even though I knew Perdita was a Canadian citizen, my heart was in my throat as I read about her mother’s struggles to become a Canadian citizen.
Like many immigrant stories, this memoir drives home the truth that no one leaves behind their homeland unless forced to for one reason or another. I feel so fortunate to have been born in Canada and to never have experienced the need to seek safety and prosperity beyond my country’s borders. Not everyone is so lucky.
July 13, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down-as an avid amateur sports follower, I was excited to read about Perdita’s journey, but this book is so much more. What her family went through and the perseverance her mother had is remarkable. A humble reminder of how lucky I am just to have been born in Canada. This book also opened my eyes to what life is like to those who leave their countries and families behind in search of more here in Canada. Truly could not put this down, very well written and an amazing story
August 9, 2021
"I pulled in a deep breath, held it for five thumping heartbeats, then let it rush out of me with any microscopic remnants of doubt. I enjoyed this feeling and this moment despite the magnitude of it. I'd never felt anything so encompassing, so kinetic. I recognized it as that perfect edge. The one all of us athletes try to recreate hundreds of times in practice, in our dreams, in our journals — but never can. Because nothing can replicate the biggest day of our lives. No imagining can ever be real enough."
April 10, 2024
Wow, what an electrifying account of a mother’s love, determination, and desire to provide for her family - no matter the challenge. Perdita Felicien is a Canadian ICON. I am humbled to learn about her life and the hurdles she has overcome, both literally and figuratively, to rise from poverty and achieve greatness as a world-class athlete representing Canada.
**If are challenging yourself to read more books by Black authors, please consider this one!
**If are challenging yourself to read more books by Black authors, please consider this one!
January 26, 2022
I loved this book so much: it is a testament to the sacrifices a mother will make for the happiness and betterment of her children. Thank you Perdita for sharing your mother’s beautiful story, and reminding us that life is full of so much struggle, yet so much beauty. “The beauty of struggle is that it strips us bare so we’re forced to get to know ourselves more intimately.”
July 26, 2021
It's hard not to be in awe of Perdita and her family, especially her Mom. How her Mom, Cathy, kept going when there was so much against her, I do not know, but she is an inspiration. Perdita has written a love story to her Mom that is quite poignant.
November 6, 2021
True Story narrated by the author. She tells the story of her journey from St. Lucia to Canada and all the trials, tribulations and prejudices that her mom and her had to endure.
And in the end she was a world Olympic champion because of her mothers support and her dedication.
And in the end she was a world Olympic champion because of her mothers support and her dedication.
April 6, 2021
I really enjoyed the book. A true struggle and hurdles for mother and daughter to overcome. So happy I heard about it on CBC National.
May 10, 2021
I enjoyed the stories about the author's early life far more than the ones about her sports career. Still, a good book.
May 18, 2021
One of the best athlete biographies I've ever read. It's well-written and really inspiring. A must-read.
January 4, 2024
4.5 stars
December 22, 2024
What an incredible memoir of resilience and triumph. Words cannot begin to express how much I enjoyed this memoir. Being too young to remember Perdita’s Olympic career, I went into this memoir a bit blind. I have a deep appreciation for immigrants and the challenges they face as they try to forge a better life for their families. Catherine’s resilience was beautiful and I’m sure this memoir didn’t even highlight everything she went through. I highly recommend this memoir to EVERYONE.
March 31, 2021
As an avid Canadian sports follower, I know of Perdita Felicien, but I never knew her back story or family life. And after reading this book (and many other bios) I’m very much aware of the fact that the most talented of people come from very harsh or challenging backgrounds. And Perdita and her mother fall into this theory. This book is divided into 3 parts – Starting with Catherine’s life in St. Lucia and her brave move to Canada; the family’s unstable life and Perdita’s introduction into running; and finally, Perdita’s move to Chicago and her ranks among the greatest hurdlers in college and Canadian history.
Although, at first, this book is fascinating, it’s easy to imagine that their life was as stable as a 7.0 earthquake.
At their lowest point, Catherine struggled to find stable employment to feed her growing family, and there were times where the children are witness to physical and mental abuse. After spending some time in a women’s shelter (this is was only a temporary solution), and with all options exhausted, the family is forced to leave the shelter and back into the arms of her on/off again partner.
Part 3 is mostly Perdita's success on the track, but it's also the parallel between mother and daughter. All the hard work and determination of both women to raise themselves to their best selves. Perdita training and honing to reach international greatness, and Catherine at almost at the age of 40, simultaneously getting her high school diploma and Heath Care Aide certificate.
Essentially, this is the incredible story of one woman’s move to a foreign country, raising her growing family while enduring racism and abuse. And by the end you see both Catherine and Perdita living a very different lives from when they first started.
Wonderfully written and absorbing. Perfect as a buddy read with some best girl-friends, or mother figure.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Double Day Canada for the inspiring read.
4 stars
Although, at first, this book is fascinating, it’s easy to imagine that their life was as stable as a 7.0 earthquake.
At their lowest point, Catherine struggled to find stable employment to feed her growing family, and there were times where the children are witness to physical and mental abuse. After spending some time in a women’s shelter (this is was only a temporary solution), and with all options exhausted, the family is forced to leave the shelter and back into the arms of her on/off again partner.
Part 3 is mostly Perdita's success on the track, but it's also the parallel between mother and daughter. All the hard work and determination of both women to raise themselves to their best selves. Perdita training and honing to reach international greatness, and Catherine at almost at the age of 40, simultaneously getting her high school diploma and Heath Care Aide certificate.
Essentially, this is the incredible story of one woman’s move to a foreign country, raising her growing family while enduring racism and abuse. And by the end you see both Catherine and Perdita living a very different lives from when they first started.
Wonderfully written and absorbing. Perfect as a buddy read with some best girl-friends, or mother figure.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Double Day Canada for the inspiring read.
4 stars
February 15, 2022
This story was so well told. The author is an inspiring young woman who, because of her mother's love, faith and perseverance, and belief in her, grew up with a moral compass that did not steer her wrong. She struggled, as did her whole family, but the struggle was part of the achievement of excellence in her life.
I loved this story. I was impressed by the description of control and abuse by her father-- not the usual over-laboring of the extraneous gritty details or the fluffing over the really dangerous, nasty parts with a sort of false forgiveness-- but by the real grappling with understanding what the dynamics of abuse were, and how she could survive the shame and poverty that went with it. The family's reconnecting with the women's shelter that gave them a hand-up in the earlier part of Perdita's life-- a decent, safe, low-rental home to live in-- was also a "real" experience that many abused women and children revisit when they are grounded in gratitude, as Perdita and her mother certainly are.
I am a sedentary woman in my seventies that doesn't follow the Olympics or other sports, but I actually felt like I was able to participate as an elite hurdler as Perdita so aptly details the event and the emotions that went with it.
Such a happy ending, too (I won't spoil it).
And the synchronicity between my life and my reading this book was quite amazing. I waited weeks to get this book through my regional library, after hearing about it on Shelagh Rogers' CBC radio program (I think). And lo and behold, this very week, as I finished the book, there was Perdita, at the Winter Olympics in China, commenting on the various events.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is feeling hard-done-by in this long haul of COVID life-- anyone who needs a snack of hope, a bit of belief in the possibility of the return of some of the possibilities that seem so dim.
I loved this story. I was impressed by the description of control and abuse by her father-- not the usual over-laboring of the extraneous gritty details or the fluffing over the really dangerous, nasty parts with a sort of false forgiveness-- but by the real grappling with understanding what the dynamics of abuse were, and how she could survive the shame and poverty that went with it. The family's reconnecting with the women's shelter that gave them a hand-up in the earlier part of Perdita's life-- a decent, safe, low-rental home to live in-- was also a "real" experience that many abused women and children revisit when they are grounded in gratitude, as Perdita and her mother certainly are.
I am a sedentary woman in my seventies that doesn't follow the Olympics or other sports, but I actually felt like I was able to participate as an elite hurdler as Perdita so aptly details the event and the emotions that went with it.
Such a happy ending, too (I won't spoil it).
And the synchronicity between my life and my reading this book was quite amazing. I waited weeks to get this book through my regional library, after hearing about it on Shelagh Rogers' CBC radio program (I think). And lo and behold, this very week, as I finished the book, there was Perdita, at the Winter Olympics in China, commenting on the various events.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is feeling hard-done-by in this long haul of COVID life-- anyone who needs a snack of hope, a bit of belief in the possibility of the return of some of the possibilities that seem so dim.
July 4, 2021
"Regardless of the choices my mother had made in her past, my life was good because of her. She loved me, and that's all that mattered. "~pg.286
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Thoughts ~
This was one of my most anticipated memoirs of the year and I absolutely loved it!! Mother daughter stories are a favorite of mine anyway but Felicien and her mothers journey was so moving.
This three part memoir shares Catherine's story, and Perdita's and their journey together. Catherine grew up very poor in St. Lucia, but always had a tenacious spirit. On the brink of adulthood Catherine is offered a position as a nanny with a wealthy Canadian family. It will mean making the incredibly hard decision to leave her two children with her family in St. Lucia, and provide for her them from afar. But once she gets to Canada and tries to settle into her new life things dont go as planned. Destitute in a foreign country she also finds herself pregnant with her third child (Perdita) and no family to help her. Embarking as a single parent, and working to make a life in Canada, as the years go by this mother, daughter duo go through incredible hurdles, Catherine's determined spirit and strength always got them through. This carried through to Perdita who would go on to become a championship Canadian athlete. Her journey doesn't end there either she continued to show that resilience and grit her mother had all thoes years as she made a career beyond athleticism.
One of the best mother, daughter stories I have read in a long time. Their incredible bond, such strong women, it made for great, emotional reading. The odds they overcame, racism, homelessness and much more really shows the depth of the human spirit, a mothers love and what you can achieve in life if you don't give up.
Thank you to @doubledayca for sending me book, opinions are my own.
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Thoughts ~
This was one of my most anticipated memoirs of the year and I absolutely loved it!! Mother daughter stories are a favorite of mine anyway but Felicien and her mothers journey was so moving.
This three part memoir shares Catherine's story, and Perdita's and their journey together. Catherine grew up very poor in St. Lucia, but always had a tenacious spirit. On the brink of adulthood Catherine is offered a position as a nanny with a wealthy Canadian family. It will mean making the incredibly hard decision to leave her two children with her family in St. Lucia, and provide for her them from afar. But once she gets to Canada and tries to settle into her new life things dont go as planned. Destitute in a foreign country she also finds herself pregnant with her third child (Perdita) and no family to help her. Embarking as a single parent, and working to make a life in Canada, as the years go by this mother, daughter duo go through incredible hurdles, Catherine's determined spirit and strength always got them through. This carried through to Perdita who would go on to become a championship Canadian athlete. Her journey doesn't end there either she continued to show that resilience and grit her mother had all thoes years as she made a career beyond athleticism.
One of the best mother, daughter stories I have read in a long time. Their incredible bond, such strong women, it made for great, emotional reading. The odds they overcame, racism, homelessness and much more really shows the depth of the human spirit, a mothers love and what you can achieve in life if you don't give up.
Thank you to @doubledayca for sending me book, opinions are my own.
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April 23, 2021
Great memoir by World Champion and Olympic hurdler Perdita Felicien. This is truly both hers and her mother’s life stories. Born on the island of St Lucia, her mother Catherine worked hard and had two small children before she was able to leave for Canada working as a nanny for a white family in Toronto. Her life in Canada was not easy, especially when she got pregnant with Perdita and the father was not involved. She was fortunate enough to keep a job allowing her to give birth in Canada. There were many ups and downs in Perdita’s young life - money was in short supply, they lived in a shelter for a while, her mom had rocky relationships and some other children, they had to go back to St. Lucia for a time before finally getting permanent residency years later. Despite all the hardships Perdita always remained close with her mother and was able to get an athletic scholarship in the States where her hurdling career really took off. She talks about the ups and downs of her professional sports career and how she managed to pivot when that time in her life came to an end. I enjoyed this book a lot - it’s great on audio read by Perdita herself and definitely one worth listening to. Two inspiring women full of grit and ambition that made their dreams happen.
Favourite quote:
“I came to believe that every single person is a hurdler, even if they don’t know it. While most aren’t sprinting over literal fences, everyone has something to overcome. Sometimes we fall in our attempts and that’s okay because there’s always a reason to pick yourself up and move forward.”
Favourite quote:
“I came to believe that every single person is a hurdler, even if they don’t know it. While most aren’t sprinting over literal fences, everyone has something to overcome. Sometimes we fall in our attempts and that’s okay because there’s always a reason to pick yourself up and move forward.”
August 25, 2022
This book was very enjoyable and interesting. Based on the true story, I got to read about Perdita Felicien’s life immigrating to Canada and all the challenges she faced. Learning about Perdia’s life was encouraging. From having little to no money to becoming a well-known professional athlete. Thanks to her mother being the most supportive and loving mom to her daughter, Perdita did not only became an Olympic athlete but she also graduated university with honors. You see, from a young age Perdita’s family was always in debt, her mother not finishing high school, made it hard for her to find a job. Her mother was then in an abusive relationship, but it was the only way for them to stay in Canada. I admired Perdita’s mom, for she does anything for her children. Though not having much to give, she always made sure each and everyone of her children's hearts were happy and encouraged them to be the best. A mother’s love for her child is endless. Throughout this book, it made me think about my mom and all the love she has provided me. I enjoyed reading this book for many reasons. It was very interesting, and indulging, which made me excited to continue reading about her journey in life. She is a great role model, and even through tough times she never gave up and aspired to be the best. I felt this book covered many of the challenges of immigrating to a new country, and trying to fit in a new environment. Altogether, I would definitely recommend this amazing book, for it was very entertaining and interesting to read.
August 10, 2021
As someone introduced to Perdita Felicien through her television career (not even her Olympic and world championship feats) I would not have guessed at the challenges she's faced in her life and career.
This book, overall, was a fascinating story that provided real insight into the influences and impacts on Felicien from a childhood of change and uncertainties to a flourishing career and family life. It's clear that the resilience and support that Felicien's mother demonstrated had a critical impact on her decisions and choices.
One message that I felt resonated throughout was the concept of empathy and the ability to understand others' circumstances. Felicien makes it clear that she wouldn't make all the same choices made by her family members but it's clear that she recognizes the different times/places/circumstances that led to them. As someone who has NOT faced the same challenges, financially or otherwise, there was incredible insight to be had from reading the story and I have the greatest respect and admiration for Felicien as an athlete and human being, and for her mother.
By focusing on her family history and the throughline of her mother's story, Felicien distinguishes her memoir from those of other athletes. It is a well-told and interesting story that shows us that behind the scenes is so much more than what we see on screen.
This book, overall, was a fascinating story that provided real insight into the influences and impacts on Felicien from a childhood of change and uncertainties to a flourishing career and family life. It's clear that the resilience and support that Felicien's mother demonstrated had a critical impact on her decisions and choices.
One message that I felt resonated throughout was the concept of empathy and the ability to understand others' circumstances. Felicien makes it clear that she wouldn't make all the same choices made by her family members but it's clear that she recognizes the different times/places/circumstances that led to them. As someone who has NOT faced the same challenges, financially or otherwise, there was incredible insight to be had from reading the story and I have the greatest respect and admiration for Felicien as an athlete and human being, and for her mother.
By focusing on her family history and the throughline of her mother's story, Felicien distinguishes her memoir from those of other athletes. It is a well-told and interesting story that shows us that behind the scenes is so much more than what we see on screen.
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