Imagine you're on a British man-o'war, anchored in an estuary of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, around 1800. Behind the high red cliffs lie hundreds of miles of uncharted wilderness. If you jump ship and are caught, you will be branded a deserter - subject to death by one hundred lashes. If you jump, the icy waters could freeze your body and claim your soul. This is your one chance for a life in the New World. Do you jump? Thomas Manning did, and his leap into uncertainty begins the epic tale of a pioneer family. The Deserter is Book One of the Alford saga, a series chronicling two hundred years of North American history.
Paul Almond, OC, was one of Canada's preeminent film and television directors, and has directed and produced over 130 television dramas for the CBC, BBC, ABC and Granada Television (SevenUp). He has now turned his talents to writing a series of novels based on his family's own pioneering adventures in Canada: The Alford Saga, four of which have been published, (The Deserter, The Survivor, The Pioneer, and The Pilgrim) and four more to come over the next three years. Paul Almond lives on the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec and Malibu, California. www.paulalmond.com
"Can you talk about thrill-a-minute Canadian history? You can now. Paul Almond has worked for many years as a TV and film director, and his skill shows in the drama and pacing of this first-rate read."
-- (Carole's BookTalk)
"I believe this one should be placed into the hands of every young student learning the history of Canada... Paul Almond's portrayal of the Mik'maq is very accurate, he embraces the true circumstances and includes the significant legends of the people."
-- (Mrs. Q Book Addict)
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