Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

by Mary Cook

These were tough years for the Haneman family during the Depression, but Mary Cook's memories include even larger servings of joy and laughter.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Derrick Grose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally written for broadcast, Mary Cook's three page anecdotes in this collection transport the reader back to life on a farm in Renfrew County, Ontario, in the 1930's.

Lanterns rather than electric lights illuminate the log house, the woodstove has a starring role in one of the stories and the outhouse features prominently in another. Fresh eggs and baked goods are brought to town to pay for purchases from the general store. There isn't enough money to replace the Model T that is on its last breathe but there is a horse and wagon available. Relatives from the city come to visit the farm because there is plenty of food to be had. There is a "rich" and spoiled neighbor girl who is the subject of much jealousy but who, from time to time, seems to get what she deserves.

Although the depression looms over the entire book, there is a nostalgic warmth in these stories of a hard-working, loving family meeting each challenge with determination and an appreciation for what they have.

These stories often remind me of my own mother's recollections of childhood experiences in a small village in Nova Scotia. Although the details were considerably different, many of the experiences and the spirit sounded remarkably similar.

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I flipped through this book, and decided it wasn't the type of book I wanted to read at this time. Seems like a collection of short stories about experiences growing up.