The Book of Joan

Sheila Martindale is poetry editor of Canadian Author and Bookman and
the author of No Greater Love.

These poems illustrate how a woman overcomes the difficulties of life.
Joan of the title is probably the author’s mother; from her childhood
on England’s south coast, we follow her journey through marriage,
emigration to Canada and a new way of life, motherhood, the failure of
her marriage, and the loss of her parents. The poetic tale is told in
elusive language that is compelling and textured, demanding to be read
and re-read as new meanings are uncovered each time. Recurring images of
water (especially the ocean, which is clearly in Joan’s blood), fire,
and the “soft sweet comfort” of chocolate connect and unify this
powerful collection.