“The Displaced is an engaging work set in one of the most intriguing locales in Canadian history.” — Kirkus ReviewsExcerpt from the Book: Chapter 1The sound of sheep’s hooves thundering against the sun-hardened road was the first sign that something was not right. The island fortress that housed the city of Louisbourg saw many interesting characters enter its port, but panicked sheep surging … characters enter its port, but panicked sheep surging through the wide main street on a June afternoon was unheard of. The fortress of Louisbourg sat on the eastern edge of Île-Royale, the last vestige of the French Empire on the east coast of the continent. The guardian of the mighty Gulf of the Saint-Laurent, the massive structure was an intimidating reminder to anyone who travelled the North Atlantic to Quebec, the centre of France’s power in North America.
Though cut off from the rest of the French Empire by the ocean and by British lands, the fortress’s stone walls rose proudly above the stormy Atlantic. A bustling city second only to the capital, Louisbourg provided all the modern comforts for its citizens and garrison, and as an international port, it played host to ships from all over the globe. Unfortunately, at the moment, it was being terrorized by sheep.
Pierre was the sixteen-year-old son of Augustus Thibault, a very successful, widowed merchant in the city. Pierre’s father had a hand in everything from wheat and livestock to shoes and pots. One of his largest ships, the Jonas, had sailed from the capital with this cargo of sheep, which were meant to supplement the failing flocks of the farmers around the fortress. Pierre had been placed in charge of transporting the summer flock to the farms surrounding the city, but the animals, after so many days cramped aboard the rocking vessel, found the promise of dry land too appealing and rushed to freedom the moment the little delivery boats reached the wharf.
Louisbourg boasted a market, where cattle, fruit, vegetables, and fresh fish were sold. Located in the heart of the city, it was an unofficial gathering place for many of the townspeople. The vendors heard the commotion and shouts of warning, but it was too late. The flood of sheep rounded the corner. Terrified by the other livestock and the mass of people in the marketplace, what had hitherto been a chase turned into a stampede. The flock splintered, overturning tables of vegetables and leaving terrified poultry in their wake. Oblivious to the traffic, they raced between the legs of horses and surged along the busy thoroughfares, knocking children and pedestrians down as they went.
Pierre ran helplessly behind the pack. Being the son of a merchant, he had very little shepherding experience. Though just sixteen, he stood head and shoulders above most people. His broad shoulders promised strength to come, but his large bones held very little meat—and he had absolutely no idea how he was supposed to contain the thirty charging balls of wool currently streaking through the dirt streets.
Marie-Christine Lévesque had the misfortune of stepping out of the apothecary’s shop near the hospital just as one group of ewes came charging by. Unaware of the over-anxious sheep until it was too late, she tried her best to jump out of the way but lost her balance on the stone step and went tumbling to the ground, the headache cure she’d recently purchased for her aunt stomped to bits by the hooves of the rampaging beasts.
Pierre came running up behind them, cursing under his breath. He paused, bending to help Marie up. Even in his distressed state, he noticed how slim she was and how easy it was to pull her up.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “You’re not hurt, are you?”
Marie shook her chestnut hair, looking around for the glass vial which, until a moment ago, had contained lavender oil. “Are those your sheep?” she asked, annoyed but trying to straighten her hat and keep some sense of decorum about her.
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How much can one suffer and still come out ‘normal’? Both Pierre and Marie are very strong minded and resourceful. I hope book 2 brings some lasting joy to the main characters. All characters are well developed and their country-sides well described. One question tho….was the word ‘pregnant’ in general use during the mid 1700’s?
The Displaced could use a good editor. It begins as a story of four kids (Pierre, Marie, Nic, and Elise) growing up in Louisburg during the eighteenth century when that section of Canada was owned by the French. But gradually the book devolves into a history and the characters almost disappear from the book. The author uses the technique of “and so eight years passed” to bridge gaps missing in the story, and I found myself skimming a section of about a quarter of the book. When the book finally got back on track and finished Pierre’s and Marie’s story, the book was quite well put together. Unfortunately the ending sets the book up for a possible sequel. I hope no sequel is forthcoming.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Life and times of 1750 New France. Bit of romance, backstabbing, murder, corruption politics hasn’t changed much. Seemed to start slow but then pickup the pace a bit. An interesting story.
The only thing I didn’t like was the ending left you hanging to know how their lives end.
Interesting period piece intertwining history with a love story. Gives the reader a peak at life in New France in the early 1700’s.
Really enjoyed this book. Read it in two da
Marie and Pierre are childhood friends living on Ile-Royale in the 1700s. This is part of New France. They live in Louisbourgh which is dominated by a fort. Much of the story background is the war between England and France which spills over onto the New World. The couple is in love, but they endure one tragedy after another. Just as things seem like they will work out, another mishap occurs. They travel to and from Quebec, and various places in the wilderness. This book explores class and regional differences at the time.
THE DISPLACED: FALL OF A FORTRESS – Frieda Watt
A young couple trying to survive together lose each other in wartime. The world’s great powers often collide as they determinedly expand empires. One such clash was the Seven Years’ War, also known as the French and Indian War. France had colonized Canada, along the Atlantic Coast. Distances were vast; resources were not readily provided; climate was treacherous. With a fleet of warships, and the aid of Indian tribes, the British sought to dislodge the French from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. A pivotal event in the conflict was the ongoing siege of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island, which culminated in 1758. This novel explores the strata of society in that place and time. Life was hardest for the peasants; merchants were more comfortable; French aristocrats held sway. The conflict sent many colonists back to France, when ships could penetrate ice-locked harbors and the pestilence of the British fleet. A memorable story of love, loss, hope and despair, in difficult and tragic times. The history is grounded in well-written images.
This book was one of the rare ones that seemed to be documenting events as they occurred. It was very realistic and seemed to be a real and true observation of the actual event.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series and from this author.
Great description of the times and location. Enjoyed the action.
This is the first in a series and it leaves you hanging. It is definitely not a “stand alone” book. It is informative but tedious.
Good read
trash
based on history of the French people of this area
Kept me interested
This novel reminds of the great 18th and 19th century English romances, Like Tom Jones and Far From the Madding Crowd. A star crossed pair who keep trying to get together but life and greater events keep getting in their way. Plot development was fascinating. I appreciated a chance to see the colonial era from the French Canadian perspective. Highly recommended
As a fan of early colonial North America I really enjoyed the New France perspective. Warm story, interesting history, adventure…some of everything. I highly recommend it.
Another point of view on the conflict of French and British colonies.