Broken Ground

Broken Ground by Jack Hodgins, Douglas Gibson, 1998

Broken Ground is a riveting exploration of the dark, brooding presence of the First World War in the lives of the inhabitants of a “soldier’s settlement” on Vancouver Island. From out of a stubborn, desolate landscape studded with tree stumps, the settlers of Portuguese Creek have built a new life for themselves. But when an encroaching forest fire threatens this fledgling settlement, it also intensifies the remembered horrors of war. The story of Portuguese Creek is told by several of its citizens, including a boy trying to recover from the sudden loss of his father, and a former teacher haunted by what happened to the soldiers he led in France. With a memorable cast of characters, and by turns heart-rending and tragic, humorous and humane, Broken Ground is a powerful novel that immerses us in the lives of an entire community.

British Columbia native Jack Hodgins is best known for his novels 'The Invention of the World' and 'The Resurrection of Joseph Bourne' particularly because of his use of magical realism. He has been recognized with many awards ranging from the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence, the Governor General’s Award, and the Canada-Australia Prize. He has received honorary degrees from several Canadian universities and was made a Member of the Order of Canada.

BM.54
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