J Philip

The Silent Canoe J Philip

The early years of Upper Canada are told through the eyes of Isaac Devins, a young man who emigrated to Upper Canada in 1793. The characters of history come alive in a tale of joy and suffering, feast and famine, life and death. The lives of the British, Americans, French, the Iroquois and Mississaugas are creatively woven through an exciting fictional story based on little-known historical facts. Isaac becomes the right-hand man to Governor John Graves Simcoe, a foreman who helps to build Yonge Street, a carpenter, fisherman and father. First he is exalted as a hero where he saves the small settlement of York from starvation, then scorned as he is tried and convicted of a crime for which he has no remorse. Isaac finds solace as he paddles on the Humber, along with his closest friend, Fire Starter, the son of a Mississauga chief. As the War of 1812 approaches, Isaac does not feel compelled to help in the war effort, unlike his brothers, one of whom is killed at Queenston Heights. Will Isaac set aside his bitterness and fight when his country needs him the most? Eight historic maps are included.