Book 51 - Reading by Lightning**** by Joan Thomas

Manitoba Reads Book of the Year.

Thomas's first novel put her in the realm of Annie Proulx.   She describes the life of Lily growing up in 1940's on a Manitoba farm --- an austere life consisting of slave labour and religion.   It is authentic --- I know relatives whose lives were similar.   Thomas writing is stunning, and she flavours her prose with wonderful use of the language and astute insights.    Making the tale even more interesting is that in 1939 Lily is sent as a teenager to live with relatives.   This is not a story that has the feel of being made up.   You will read it fascinated with the players.

Thomas works in the Barr settlers, lured to Alberta for free land by a con artist preacher.   This is a true story, so I must read more on that subject.