The Blackbird's Song

Trish Brown was an editor residing in Toronto.

Set in the year 1900, against the turbulence of China’s Boxer Rebellion, The Blackbird’s Song describes the devastating journey of Emily’s family and Martha across West China. Forced to flee for their lives, the three Canadian missionaries attempt to survive and stay sane in spite of hardship.

Their journey is so well described that you can almost feel the dryness and dust in their mouths as the strong sun beats down on their weakened bodies. They thanked God for water, knowing that the water they crave will probably make them ill later that day. They proceed in their wretched state, each caught up in private thoughts and obsessions. Has their God forsaken them?

The novel deals with several forms of conflict: the conflict between Eastern and Western cultures; the conflict of allegiance and first duty when involved in a spiritual commitment — is it wife and family first or, as William says, “My first duty is to the mission and its workers”? There is also the inner conflict of what is right and correct: what does your God want you to do when you are faced with negative circumstances and probable death? Should survival tactics and common sense take over at this point?

Emily, William, and Martha are tragic victims of the Boxer Rebellion and victims of their own inner conflicts, each of them wavering between courage and weakness, hope and despair. Their faith is shaken when they need it most.