Random Passage

I saw the film version of the story ("Random Passage") last year and greatly enjoyed it. I greatly anticipated reading the book and it did not disappoint me. The author's use of narrative is well-done and NOT tedious. She makes her characters come to life (and death) in a way that is clear and leads the reader to empathy. Having studied the history of Newfoundland and its people, I was moved by the stark depictions of the hardships that I know were REAL, not the product of artistic license. If anything, Ms. Moragn may have understated the plight of early 19th Century Newfoundlanders; but I think not. She's a great story-teller and I look forward to reading her sequel to "Cape Random", "Waiting for Time". I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

This is a truly wonderful book. Bernice Morgan puts you right in the middle of the drama of early Newfoundland. However do not buy Random Passage. It is the same book. I found out the hard way.

Cape Random is a brilliant novel that tells the story of an 1800's English working class family, the Andrews. They are forced to flee from their home in order to escape being imprisoned or hung. The Andrews wind up seeking passage to a land far away in the hold of a ship where pigs are normally held. The harsh reality of their situation does not improve when they are taken from the ship.They are put ashore in Cape Random a tiny settlement on the bleak coast of Newfoundland with no supplies, no viable skills and little hope of surviving the impending winter season.The artistic writing of Bernice Morgan paints a vivid picture of what the family sees as they arrive and the emotional state of a desperate and scared family. This is a tale of what people can manage to do in order to survive. The conditions and situations faced draw the reader into the tale and pull at you emotionally, as you watch those you know struggling just to barely stay alive.The relationships between the residents of Cape Random are clear and complex and as time passes and the community expands with children the complexity also expands.This is an amazing book that deals with love, survival, faith, hope and the tough challenges imposed by mother nature, as well as the challenges that human nature puts forth.This is an exceptional and thought provoking book.

In addition to the great plot and characterization mentioned by other reviewers, I found Morgan's writing style graceful. That's the first word that come's to mind when I think of this book. Her treatment of characters with questionable(?) motives and behavior is objective; their redeeming qualities are also presented. She reveals the beauty of each person and their role in an almost incestuous community. Her careful treatment of her characters and the skills they build to survive in the weather, community, various types of deprivation is as graceful as her prose.

Wow! I know the early history of Newfoundland and this books reads more like fact than fiction. What a wonderful book? I felt like I was actually present as I read this book. The characters and the place are SO REAL. I am so happy I bought the sequel "Waiting for Time". Random Passage is so great though I am afraid I will be disappointed ..as the sequel can't possible get any better than this. Ms. Morgan is to be commended. I understand this is her first novel.