My Acadian Heritage

Nancy Gray-Didzbalis was editor of the quarterly magazine, Cloth Doll News.

This book will satisfy the curiosity of those interested in Acadian culture and history. Poirier recounts her life in detail, describing education, religion, food, pastimes, home-life, and friends from her Acadian perspective.

The book is a biographical account of the Acadian people: what made them settle in Nova Scotia against all odds of expulsion, their feelings, portrayals of everyday life, and their hopes and dreams of the future. As Poirier states in her dedication, “The Acadians loved Nova Scotia so much that they came to settle it twice.”

There is not an aspect of day-to-day life that is not documented here: life on the farm, trips to the General Store, the importance of the Post Office, holidays, and memories of those around her who played important roles in the author’s life.

Poirier closes with some thoughts about being an Acadian. She feels that at last, Nova Scotia loves her people as much as the Acadians love the land: “Nova Scotia is truly home.” For teachers, students, and enthusiasts of Canadian history, this book is a welcome addition to the personal library.