Monday, January 19, 2009

Reviewer: Cibou “gets it right"

Read the full review at: http://joannamallory.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/review-cibou-a-novel-by-susan-young-de-biagi/

"...a well-written story with characters and events that linger after the final page has been turned. I think the best part of this gift is the Mi’Kmaq approach of looking at life - really observing and chewing it over - and finding life lessons to apply. Whatever our culture of origin, as we’ve moved away from the oral tradition we’ve lost the propensity to do this."

"This isn’t a novel to rush, nor is it dry and heavy. It flows gently, thoughtfully, and is well worth a second read. One of my favourite characters is the chief, a man who embodies [the] call to lead through servanthood. The chief is wise and deserves the people’s confidence, but he doesn’t look the part except on formal occasions. His wife complains (with pride) that every time she makes him a thick new robe, he gives it to someone in need."

Joanne Mallory, Word Press

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Compliments pouring in

A reader recently sent this note: "I just read Susan Young de Biagi's Cibou this weekend, and it's a rich treasure."

And another this: "I got Cibou: a novel as a Christmas present and I loved it! Of course it had two things I love in it:? Cape Breton and the Jesuits, and none of the modern sentimality or 'shock-to-sell'."