Karen Hofmann Ordre des livres

Set against the backdrop of urban Vancouver, four siblings navigate the complexities of middle age, shaped by both their shared rural upbringing and individual life experiences. Their journeys intertwine as they confront work, relationships, and parenting in the late 2010s, revealing how their past influences their present aspirations. Each sibling faces the challenges of their environment and family history while seeking a sense of belonging and a true home, highlighting the enduring impact of family ties and personal growth.

This book features a collection of thought-provoking discussion questions curated by the author, designed to deepen readers' engagement with the themes and characters. These questions encourage critical thinking and facilitate conversations, making it an excellent choice for book clubs or individual reflection. The inclusion of these insights adds a unique layer to the reading experience, inviting readers to explore the narrative more profoundly.

Recognized with an award for excellence in book design, this work stands out for its compelling prose and artistic presentation. The content is crafted with care, showcasing the author's unique voice and storytelling ability. The book's design complements its narrative, enhancing the reader's experience and engagement. The accolades reflect its quality and the impact it has made in the literary community, making it a noteworthy addition for any book lover.

Intro -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Dedication -- Contents -- Before 1979 -- 1. It Could Always Be Worse -- 2. Aloft -- 3. Acquisition -- 4. Nature -- 5. Climbing -- 6. The Prodigals -- 7. The Golden Gates -- 8. Merger -- 9. An Education -- 10. Letdown -- 11. Afloat -- 12. Jam -- 13. Falling for You -- 14. Wreck -- 15. Black Ops -- 16. The Knuckleheads -- 17. Caught -- 18. Salmon Returning -- 19. Deal -- 20. No Deal -- 21. Latitude -- After -- Acknowledgements

Having escaped the place in her youth, retired professor Sidonie von Taler returns to her ancestral Okanagan valley orchards still very much in the shadow of her deceased older sister Alice. As she sifts through the detritus of her family history, Sidonie is haunted by memories of trauma and triumph in equal measure, and must reconcile past and present while reconnecting with the people she left behind. Karen Hofmann's debut novel blends a poetic sensibility with issues of land stewardship, social stratification and colonialism. Her eye for period detail and characterization is reminiscent of Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin or Margaret Laurence's The Stone Angel, while her lyrical realization of bygone B.C. pastoralia recalls the work of George Bowering.