Winds of L' Acadie

Lois Donovan has done a fantastic job of creating totally believable characters and weaving an exciting storyline throughout present day and in 1755. The first part of the story develops the relationship of Sarah, a 16 year old who is sent to live with her grandparents for the summer, and Luke who seems to start the book out as Sarah's "albatross". I could not put the book down as Sarah travelled back in to the time of the Acadians. Without giving away key elements of the story I will just say that there are a number of events that make the novel a compelling read and seem realistic enough to make you believe this is what actually happened. The story is historically accurate and vividly paints a picture of what it might have been like during life in 1755 and throughout the Deportation. Loose ends are nicely tied up and there is more than one surprise that will delight readers. I hope there will be a sequel... I highly recommend reading Winds of L'Acadie!

An excellent book and a must read for young adults. You actually seem to experience what it might be like if one was transported back to 1755. The description of Acadian life is spectacular. I thought that the author delicately intertwines the historical aspects of the novel with the contemporary storyline. I felt that I learned a good deal about the destructive deportation and could empathize with the struggle of the Acadian people. The novel takes place at a pivotal and confrontational point in history. The British "Red Coats" were sent into Acadia to disperse the people and acquire their fertile and prised Acadian lands. The conflict that arises creates a dramatic story line that exemplifies the human struggle. Highly recommended!!!

This is a well written story about a sixteen year old girl, Sarah White, who is sent to live with her grandparents for the summer. There she meets up with Luke, a boy who seems to be inadvertently intent on making her life difficult. While developing the present day storyline the author adds a compelling adventure in 1755. This was a pivotal point in history - during the deportation of the Acadians by the British authorities. A Mi'kmaq quill box is used as the time travel device which cleverly entwines the converging storylines. The novel gives the reader a first hand look at what it would have been like to live as an Acadian in the 18th century. Both the story and characters demonstrate a satisfying sense of development throughout the novel. It is a great read and highly recommended!