Argonauta

Author: Deborah Phillips
Genre: Historical Fiction

Like the rare Mother Argonaut, which cradles her young but is not attached, Anna Tougas was destined to cast off her child and start a new life.

That the purpose of that life was revolution was a mystery to Maude Digby until she determined to discover her family origins. Her reunion with Anna triggers their arrest under the War Measures Act and ignites a family firestorm of shock, bewilderment, and sense of betrayal.

Though the plot centres on the dramatic and tragic events of the 1970 October Crisis in Québec, the novel spans several decades as Maude’s discovery takes the story back to 1950 and propels it forward to the 1995 Sovereignty Referendum, and later still into a new generation. 

Argonauta is the story of five people living in a tumultuous time, their choices, and the effect of those choices on those they love – within and without the family tree.

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Reviewer: Beth Leffew

I thought this book was well written. I am not sure if a play came out of this book, but it certainly could as I felt I was reading lines from the characters. I really liked the development of the characters throughout the story, and I could identify with certain aspects of the characters. Overall this was a very strong storyline, and I loved the detail that the author put into this.

The setting of this book takes place in 1970, but it exposes timeless issues. This story of the three sisters navigating through life trying to find their identity in this life is so relatable.  I could imagine the mixed emotions that Maude had when she had discovered who her biological parents were. I could definitely understand Karin’s pain as she wanted to break free from other people’s plans for her life.  I love how the book concluded with Maude’s daughter sort of narrating the three sister’s reunion and despite all the struggles they had, and the grave circumstances around them, they persevered. In the end, they stuck together.
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I would recommend this book to anyone who likes excellent character/story development.

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