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I have it here somewhere, I'm sure! *rummaging through bookshelves*

Reesetee, if you own "The Bird Artist," and I feel sure you must, can I borrow it?

Perhaps you can post it in short chunks. ;)

Sionnach, that's a good recommendation--I've read Norman's book twice, which is unusual for me. But it also seems pretty dark. Or did you mean "dismal" to suggest that you don't think The Shipping News is a good book?

I'll be happy to read any books about Newfoundland. I do not usually read fiction, and picked up The Shipping News because it was recommended to me and seemed like something anyone who's read about Newfoundland ought to read, since anyone else who knows anything about Newfoundland is constantly asking if you've read it. I prefer to read history, but there aren't that many good nonfiction books about the Rock either (I'm not counting travel guides).

That said, I don't think The Shipping News was dismal at all, except when it was meant to be.

If your literary view of Newfoundland has been shaped by the dismal 'Shipping News', might I take this opportunity to recommend the fine (underappreciated) book by Howard Norman, "The Bird Artist"? Opening sentences:

'I am a bird artist, and have more or less made a living at it. Yet I murdered the lighthouse keeper, Botho August, and that is an equal part of how I think of myself.'

Good song. :) I've also been to Newfoundland, but didn't have quite the same experience. Perhaps vacationing with the folks cramped my style.

I visited Newfoundland in 2005 and had a great time. I got supremely pissed (in the British sense) and ate the best cod I've ever eaten. Before I left I was given a gift of dried cod cheeks and jarred moose, which lay at the back of my fridge until quite recently when I chucked them out.

Yay! I'm looking forward to more. :-)