The Colours of British Columbia

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

This book is a poetic appreciation of the natural beauty of British
Columbia. The author devotes half a page of verse each to individual
colors, using elements of the West Coast landscape as examples of each
hue. His personal reaction to his first sight of each particular color
completes the page. These reminiscences reveal Bouchard’s passionate
attachment to the landscape of his adopted province. Each page of verse
is accompanied by a striking full-page painting, executed in bold,
bright colors, with little shading and an emphasis on hard, distinct
outlines. The effect brings to mind the Group of Seven. Marring the
book, however, is the author’s relentless chauvinism, displayed in
such patronizing remarks as “We know we’re the envy of all our
neighbors who can’t help but wish they were here.” Recommended with
reservations.