The Boston Box

R. Gordon Moyles is professor emeritus of English at the University of
Alberta, co-author of Imperial Dreams and Colonial Realities: British
Views of Canada, 1880–1914, and author of The Salvation Army and the
Public.

“It was the hottest summer. In June, the capelin came in silver waves.
Mary was thrilled, and she raced with her younger sister to the beach.
They caught the capelin in their nets and scooped them from the sand.”
So begins the story of Mary, who works hard as a fisherman’s daughter
in 1930s Newfoundland, but who dreams of silk dresses and patent-leather
shoes, of dances and romances, of sailing to exotic Spain. Perhaps there
will be enough credit to buy at least something she dreams of. But,
though the fishing is good, the price of fish is low: there is no money
for silk, or beads, or ribbons. The two girls must make do with a “box
from Boston,” sent by Aunt Chrissie—a box apparently full of
“tatters and rags.” But beneath the useless clothes is a treasure
trove of books that, during the long winter days, take Mary to all the
lands she has dreamed of and offer all the romance she could imagine.

The Boston Box is a totally engaging story, perfectly complemented by
colourful tapestry-like illustrations. Highly recommended.