Heave

Debbie Feisst is the reference/Internet resources librarian in the
Information Services Division of the Edmonton Public Library.

In her acclaimed debut novel, which has been nominated and short-listed
for several Atlantic and national literary awards, Nova Scotia author
Christy Ann Conlin chronicles the trials and tribulations of a young
Annapolis Valley girl on the bumpy road to self-discovery.

As the novel opens, 21-year-old Seraphina (“Serrie”) Sullivan is
making a mad dash from her own wedding and trying to understand the
circumstances that brought her there. We learn of her eccentric and
somewhat sad family life: a mother who clings to old dreams of becoming
a painter; a father who collects antique outhouses and muses on new
inventions destined to change their lives; an aunt who serves as a rock
for the family but doesn’t communicate with her own son.

We also witness Serrie’s increasing feelings of alienation while at
university and the beginnings of her descent into the alcoholism that
will eventually force her into mental institutions and rehab centres.
The novel comes full circle and leaves the reader satisfied as Serrie
begins to grow into herself and make some mature decisions that will
change her life forever.

Heave is a story of family and the sometimes inexplicable pull that
one’s hometown can exert. Pastoral descriptions of rural Nova Scotia
complement Conlin’s touching portrayal of the young, alcoholic Serrie.
This substantial, poignant novel is highly recommended.