Roughing It in the Bush

Where was this book in the bra-burner days of the 1960's and 1970's: The Feminine Mystique meets Moodie, Judy Chicago inviting Susanna to The Dinner Party? Barely begin reading and you will want to give a swift kick in the pants (and wish that she had done it) to her ever-absent husband who dragged her back from honest mud of the pioneer life to the Cheney's and Halliburton's of mid-nineteenth century western civilization. We are frustrated that she doesn't speak up to those who take and trample over her. Speak up, woman! Don't let them get away with it! Her daughter and granddaughter were historic photographers who set milestones. Where were they mentioned in my history books or Girl Scout handbooks? Roughing it in the Bush is about women's place and power, make no mistake about it, whether you like it or not. I'm finding that with the eyes of the world on Canada, Alaska, and the Arctic suffering from rapid global climate change, books on this part of the world are becoming increasingly easier to find for those who seek the obscure, out-of-print titles being resurrected by reader inquiry and demand.

This gem of a volume starts with cholera, and ends with a plea for families in the 1800s not to emigrate to the New World. Camping it most certainly isn't. We're talking life and death situations. I would have made a lousy pioneer; ROUGHING IT IN THE BUSH simply fortifies that knowledge. Susanna Moodie did not choose to move from England to Canada. Like so many women of her times, the choice was made by her husband, and she had no recourse but to follow him. Her staunch attitude that refused to be overcome by despair despite the very real hardships she had to endure, makes her, in my mind, a model of the kind of strength women have and often do not recognize until we are called upon to test it.

I have read most or many chapters of this book. Since it is a report of a time and place and area of human endeavor and North American pioneering history that would remain in greater darkness were it not for Moodie (her husband, and her sister Traill too), this book is priceless and amazing. There were not many fully literate English gals in the undeveloped woods of Canada in 1832! What a treasure.

I absolutely loved this book because Mrs. Moodie has an incredible ability to paint pictures and emotions in your mind and heart. The day to day history is vivid and exciting. I found it interesting to read first hand about the many places in the Kawarthas and Cobourg regions as they existed at the dawn of their settlement. Observing the interaction between the Americans and early Canadian immigrants was also valuable. A very eloquent book.

Moodie puts her readers into her own thoughts, allowing you to see just how difficult it was for her to survive in Canada in the 1800's. Her character and personality lends itself well to her writing, allowing you to laugh when she laughs, anger when she is angry, and cry when she cries (maybe less the crying, it wasn't THAT wrenching). I would recommend reading it along with an audio version of the book. I've never done it before, but i actually liked it! Another review stated that the book got boring, and it really can be if you are too involved and are looking for a really gripping read. So to listen and follow along at your own leisure was rather relaxing. It added to the humour of some of the chapters, particularly the "borrowing and lending" scenario! Enjoy!