while you read MacLeod's novel it might be interesting to access some links explaining historical events and geographical references mentioned in the book.
The Canadian Shield is a region rich in minerals; that's where the MacDonalds worked as miners. This family comes originally from Cape Breton, an island in Nova Scotia, one of the Maritime Provinces.
The 1745 confrontation (also known as "the forty-five") between the English and Scottish is evoked as part of the background of this contemporary Canadian family. Read about some of the events (the Battle of Culloden) and historical figures (Bonnie Prince Charlie).
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham (in Quebec) and the historical figure of James Wolfe are also part of the background for the story. We will discuss the parallelisms between “big” history and “small” stories when we meet.
And if you still want to read or listen to a story by the same author, (http://www.nytimes.com/books/01/02/18/reviews/010218.18suthert.html) register for free in the New York Times.
