Widows of Hamilton House by Penner Christina

A Novel

Good, 4 stars

this novel is part ghost story and part romance, but not as you might expect. Penner’s beautifully and thoughtfully written novel encourages you to take on your ideas of love, family, science, and spirituality. Ruth is a young librarian (you already sold me there!) who lives in Hamilton House, in Winnipeg Canada. Soon after she takes moves into the upstairs suite, she meets Lon. He's a charming man but obsessed with cleanliness. Lon is on her front sidewalk, taking pictures of the building for his mother, Naomi, a widowed history professor. Through Lon, Ruth learns that the Hamilton House hosted world-famous séances in the1920s.

When tragedy befalls the three, Ruth and Naomi develop a relationship that takes a turn for the queer, if such a phrase can be used to describe the complexities of Ruth's sexuality. Part love, part ghost, all amazing.

Details

ISBN9781894283847
Copyright Date2008
Publication DateJanuary 18, 2008
PublisherEnfield & Wizenty
FormatHardcover
No. of Pages302
LanguageEnglish
NotesFINALIST: Eileen McTavish Sykes Award for Best First Book
FINALIST: Carol Shields/City of Winnipeg Book Award
RatingGood
GenreCanadian Eh; Fiction; Religion & Spirituality
SubjectCanadian Fiction; Mennonites - Fiction