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An Innocent in Newfoundland: Even More Curious Rambles and Singular Encounters
David McFadden travels around Newfoundland. Who knows which was most charmed
In An Innocent in Ireland (1995) and An Innocent in Scotland (1999), poet and traveller David McFadden let the spirit of the country – and his own interests – guide his rambles. He has now done the same in Newfoundland.
Zigzagging across the province in his rented car, he charts an erratic course, admiring lawn sculpture (in his opinion a new local art), visiting fellow poets and publishers, wandering at dusk among the Viking mounds at L’Anse aux Meadows, rooming with a Salvation Army family in a distant outport (and discovering a family tragedy), hanging on in a stiff wind to watch birds nesting on a cliff face, and enjoying the social life in countless bars and restaurants.
It soon becomes clear that McFadden’s love of a good chat is shared widely by the people he meets in Newfoundland and he is wise enough to let them tell their own stories. For, as ever, his interest is in the heart of a place – and not just its scenery.
Alert, somewhat eccentric, always ready to amuse and be amused, David McFadden is an ideal travelling companion.
In An Innocent in Ireland (1995) and An Innocent in Scotland (1999), poet and traveller David McFadden let the spirit of the country – and his own interests – guide his rambles. He has now done the same in Newfoundland.
Zigzagging across the province in his rented car, he charts an erratic course, admiring lawn sculpture (in his opinion a new local art), visiting fellow poets and publishers, wandering at dusk among the Viking mounds at L’Anse aux Meadows, rooming with a Salvation Army family in a distant outport (and discovering a family tragedy), hanging on in a stiff wind to watch birds nesting on a cliff face, and enjoying the social life in countless bars and restaurants.
It soon becomes clear that McFadden’s love of a good chat is shared widely by the people he meets in Newfoundland and he is wise enough to let them tell their own stories. For, as ever, his interest is in the heart of a place – and not just its scenery.
Alert, somewhat eccentric, always ready to amuse and be amused, David McFadden is an ideal travelling companion.
- GenresTravelCanadaNonfiction
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2003
About the author
David W. McFadden
37 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
David William McFadden was a Canadian poet, fiction writer, and travel writer. The author of 35 books of poetry, fiction and travel writing, McFadden started publishing poetry in 1958 and has been previously shortlisted for the 2008 Griffin Poetry Prize, as well as for three Governor General's Awards. He won the 2013 Griffin Poetry Prize for his collection What's the Score?
David William McFadden was a Canadian poet, fiction writer, and travel writer. The author of 35 books of poetry, fiction and travel writing, McFadden started publishing poetry in 1958 and has been previously shortlisted for the 2008 Griffin Poetry Prize, as well as for three Governor General's Awards. He won the 2013 Griffin Poetry Prize for his collection What's the Score?
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 24, 2016
A dull, condescending, pedantic book, filled with inaccuracies and unfunny 'observations'. I am very rarely annoyed by pompous ontarians thinking they 'get' Newfoundland, but Mr. McFadden has managed it. If you are interested in the province there are many better books.
December 1, 2013
Meh. Not a very useful travel guide, a bit precious & a touch condescending I thought.
October 25, 2020
What at first came off as uncomfortably outdated modes of perception and expression became more glaringly self-adulating and misogynistic as this (non-fiction) book went on. I stopped reading at the part where McFadden goes so far as to casually condone another man's penchant for statutory rape:
"He claims he's forty-eight, but he doesn't like the older women. He prefers them between sixteen and eighteen. [...] Wherever you are, Lloyd Buttenham, I salute your honesty. And may you never run out of beer, teenage girls, or luck."
This book should be out of print.
"He claims he's forty-eight, but he doesn't like the older women. He prefers them between sixteen and eighteen. [...] Wherever you are, Lloyd Buttenham, I salute your honesty. And may you never run out of beer, teenage girls, or luck."
This book should be out of print.
August 7, 2019
Just a fun traipse around Newfoundland with a humorous and insightful author. Worth a read, especially if you plan to visit Newfoundland. What stands out clearly is the friendliness that the people of Newfoundland generally show to strangers. Read this in preparation for my second trip to Newfoundland.
June 17, 2022
Never having had the opportunity to visit Newfoundland, I was curious to learn more about both the place and the people. David McFadden wanders about (by car) and has a knack for drawing out the stories of those whom he encounters. A light-hearted, fun read/
May 12, 2019
An interesting read for anyone planning on going, or going back, to NL for a visit.
December 30, 2025
I liked the book, although would be also curious about Labrador. The story gives a great exposure to the local culture and society. I loved a little map at the beginning, it was very helpful in tracing author's route
June 10, 2014
He met some interesting folk while in NL so I enjoyed some of the fun stories around some of those characters..hope i get to meet a few fun folks while roadtripping the western shore this summer.NL here we come.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews