Ann and Seamus

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes children’s picture books and novels for
preteens. Her most recent novels are Jo’s Triumph, Raven’s Revenge,
and Tarragon Island. Her latest picture book is Grandparents’ Day.

David Blackwood is an internationally acclaimed artist who is well known
for his etchings, paintings, and monotypes depicting a way of life that
has largely disappeared from the Maritimes. I cannot think of a better
artist to illustrate Ann and Seamus, Kevin Major’s dramatic story of
Newfoundland, told in verse. Based on the true story of the Harvey
family, the book recounts the dramatic rescue of more than 160
passengers from the Irish immigrant ship Despatch. In 1828, in thick
fog, the vessel ran aground on a reef. Due largely to Ann’s stamina
and determination as she rowed boatloads of passengers from the wreck to
shore, many lives were saved.

With spare, evocative verse, Major describes a family that lives and
dies by the cod fishery. Likewise, Blackwood’s images reflect a
Newfoundland of long ago, one where families lived in small, isolated
communities and made their livings from the sea.

While the story is certainly a celebration of a true Newfoundland hero,
it is also a love story. On board the doomed ship was a young Irish
immigrant named Seamus, who was coming to the New World full of hope for
a brighter future. A section narrated by Seamus describes life on the
immigrant ship, the wreck of the Despatch, and the welcome sight of the
rescuers. The final part of the book is told from Ann’s point of view
and describes how she considers leaving Newfoundland. Though she is
sorely tempted to travel with Seamus and build a new life with him, in
the end she decides that her place is with her family, the cod fishery,
and the sea.

The book concludes with a historical note that explains where
historical fact leaves off and fiction begins. While Ann Harvey was, in
fact, instrumental in the rescue of the 160 survivors of the wreck,
little is known about the intimate details of her family life. No love
affair with an Irish immigrant is mentioned in the historical record,
though it is known that Harvey married Charles Gillam, moved to Port aux
Basques, and had several children.

A beautiful and inspiring book, Ann and Seamus will be enjoyed by
readers of all ages and deserves a place on any Canadian bookshelf.
Highly recommended.