Up the Coast: One Family's Wild Life in the Forests of British Columbia

by Kathryn Willcock

Kathryn Willcock and her sisters grew up in logging camps on the coast of B.C. in the 1960s when children were set loose to play in the wilderness, women kept rifles next to the wood stove, and loggers risked their lives every single day. The author’s tales of grizzly bears, American tourists, a loyal Nazi, and a couple of terrified gangsters, along with the wisdom of Indigenous elders, pour off the page like warm syrup on a stack of cookhouse hotcakes.

224 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2022

Reviews

[Gregory Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up the Coast is a wonderful novel based on historical fact and a good dose of "dry humour". Willcock's stories are at times heartfelt, at times deadpan and at others just simple great fun! For any who don't know much about British Columbia's coast and its logging fame - pretty much most of the world - then reading Up the Coast is a chance to understand what growing up isolated with two sisters, an entrepreneurial father, a resourceful, intelligent mother, and an assortment of relatives, is like.
British Columbia's coastline - if pulled taught like a string - amounts to about 17,000 kilometers. That the Willcock's found a life "up there" somewhere in that vast coastline, loved the life, and then have one of the daughters write so eloquently about it, is brilliant!!!
Kathryn Willcock writes in a colourful and easy-to-read style which keeps the pace and makes you yearn for more after the last page.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting read! It felt nostalgic because this way of life has basically disappeared.

It starts with an account of her father's days logging in the 1930s and continues with them raising their family in a little logging camp in Orford Bay. They were just ordinary people but had extremely interesting experiences. There was no electricity, and in those days, if people came to the island, they visited and chatted with everyone. Instead of being accused of trespassing, they were welcome. It made me long for simpler days and had me wishing I own a boat that I could just sail around the islands in.

I won't spoil it, but those kids had a childhood like no others. I also laughed quite a lot.

I highly recommend this for anyone, especially if you like being on the Coast or learning more about BC history.

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

West Coast of Canada history in the late 1800s and pretty much into the late 1900's, particularly of the many smaller coastal logging companies that operated along some incredibly wild forest and ocean terrain. Memoir written by one of the daughters of a small family logging company that operated usually about March to October or November. The children would accompany their mothers and live in the camp during the summer school break. Recommend especially for those who have no knowledge of this aspect of British Columbia development and history. It's a memoir, so not an academic historical work of the widespread history of logging in BC.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming and amusing story about the author's childhood spent mainly in remote logging camps on the BC coast. Willcock has a wonderful writing style and a sly sense of humour that serve to keep the many stories flowing. I'm amazed she is able to remember so many anecdotes with full detail after many decades have passed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am recommending it to my friends. (in full disclosure, I am acquainted with Ms. Willcock in real life.)

[Michelle Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely and lovingly depicted an enchanted childhood with all sorts of adventures for four children living in a logging camp with their parents. Modern parents will probably cringe at some of the stories, but the kids all came out of it with a respect for nature, a respect for the Indigenous people, and a whole lot of stories to tell.

[Lisa Fennell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I could give my kids the kind of summers the author had. Humourous and gritty at times but through the lense of a child. Laughed at the description of her father realizing hearing aids were in order being surprised by the bear. A story to make one sort of wistful for harder but simpler times.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read! Interesting and funny.

[Kenzie Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having spent time in the area this book is about, in an old logging camp, and sailing around the area it was a nostalgic and wonderful read!

[PJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming, descriptive memoir filled with humor and love.

[Sharon Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, sharing all the beautiful stories of logging in BC.

This book is rich in history and captures so many great stories.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really tickled by the author's wit and humor. The book ended abruptly for me; I wanted more!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh out loud and interrupt my friends reading so that I could read funny parts of the story to her. I enjoyed all the wild stories from up the coast.