Churchland is a book to curl up on the couch and read when you feel good. Characters are portrayed that are people we all know in our daily lives; Eleanor Johnston has created a story we can all imagine ourselves living.
This is a story that presents great characters, great conversations, lovely word painting of the southern Ontario region of Jordan in the snow storm and lovely portrayals of the relationships between sisters, children and parents, between colleagues and between friends.
Marcia’s lesson of having to listen and be compassionate with everyone and how necessary it is to take the time to do that is a lesson we have all had to learn in our lives.
Another feel-good aspect was reading about the enjoyment of sharing meals together… blueberry pancake breakfasts, spontaneous evening meals, and raising glasses with friends.
Here is raising a glass to Churchland!
I find it gratifying that different readers discover different themes and pleasures in reading Churchland. If I were a first-time reader I would find a warning and an encouragement for those who are devoted to restorative justice, planet earth and the Anglican Church. I would have enjoyed the humor and the love stories. It just occurs to me that we either laugh or cry, love or hate when we write and when we read—my deep (?) thought for the day. PS Thanks, dear reader, for taking the time.