UNKNOWN

A sweeping historical novel about the challenges of emigration and holding on to one's identity and sense of "home."
Emigration comes at a cost, even more so when it's forced. Traditions, culture, belongings, everything must be abandoned. What endures? 1904. A Manx family subsists on a small-hold farm. Their lives are bound by tradition and love, steeped in folklore and belief in faeries. The grandparents, son William, Euphemia and their six children share a tiny cottage. The men work as miners. Despite poverty and the tragic loss of three sons, Grandad upholds the Manx belief: "Traa dy liooar." Like the triskelion, their symbol of the three-legged man, he insists they will not fall. There's time enough; all will be well. When change imposes a critical dilemma, does belief matter? The father, William, is dying of lead poisoning. How will Euphemia and her eldest son, Henry, support them all? William's younger brother, Thomas, offers emigration to Michigan. Euphemia suspects his motives: they started as lovers and parted as enemies. Their history could destroy everything. Henry, almost thirteen, longs to remain with his grandparents. His grandmother makes him promise to help his mother. The die is cast. They must go. After a perilous voyage, their hopes are shattered. Fighting for survival against deception, exploitation and abuse, they stumble along, just. Then, tragedy strikes. William is killed and Euphemia's secret is inadvertently revealed. Devastated, Henry breaks his word and flees. Euphemia must remain to protect her children. Henry travels to Canada, still pining for Man, clinging to his beliefs. The triskelion turns again; Henry falls in love. Now he must confront his mistakes and find a way to heal his broken family, for a new life to begin. On a three-decade journey from Isle of Man to Saskatchewan, via Michigan and Manitoulin Island, we are immersed in the moving saga of Euphemia and Henry as they seek independence and gain strength. A sweeping novel about what endures in an unfamiliar place. Can forgiveness restore love and bring hope?