Dancing with the Shadows

by Sandi Plewis

Abby was eight when her grandmother’s spirit first appeared on the back lane of the family farm. Although Abby had never met her grandmother Gwynth, she was certain of the woman’s identity. Her spirit began to appear more often, leaving Abby with the conviction that Gwynth wanted something from her.

Both the visits and Abby’s reaction to them were equally disturbing. She developed migraines every time she saw her grandmother, along with another syndrome: the merging of smells and colours, and the intensification of noises. Later in life, Abby identified this condition as synesthesia, but as a young girl, she absorbed the word that others used to describe her—“strange”. Now in her forties and living in Burlington, Ontario, Abby sets out to find the truth about Gwynth Herriott: why she disappeared and left a young son behind, why no one will talk about her, and what Gwynth was trying to tell Abby so many years ago.

Every second chapter takes us back to Gwynth’s story in Huron County, Ontario. We follow her from 1918 through to 1925. While Abby, in the 1990s, tries to untangle her grandmother’s story, she must also concentrate on her career as a photojournalist, devoted to the plight of endangered animals.

has two main themes. Gwynth and Abby’s lives clearly show the stigma faced by children and adults who are labeled as , along with the resulting damage that can affect families for decades. As well, Gwynth’s resilience and Abby’s determination show the profound changes that can occur when strong women refuse to be muzzled.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2022

Reviews

[David Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this engaging story that moves back and forth between the past and current era, ultimately tying the timelines together. The characters are fascinating and left me wanting to know them better, and the descriptions of the settings reminded me of my youth in rural Southern Ontario. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing with the Shadows was an awesome story of a woman trying to search out her family history. Each chapter ended with the anticipation of finding out more and more, especially as you got involved in the Grandmother’s life, and understood all the challenges of that era. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to Ms. Plewis’ next book!

[Bonnie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Sandi’s characters are always my favourite part of her books - she makes them so real that you miss them when the book is done. This novel captured my interest right away and held it till the surprising finish. It is one of those reads you can’t wait to get back to and keeps you reading late into the night.