AT THE LIBRARY

Nancy Croth is a library assistant at Harper Branch, Waterloo Public Library. She recommends “Pluck” by Donna Morrissey

“Pluck” by Donna Morrissey,

Viking Canada, 2021, 305 pages “Pluck” is the memoir of the successful Newfoundland author Donna Morrissey, who tells her own story like she tells the tales of all of the characters that she has written about over the years. I often thought I was reading a work of fiction and forgot that this was a real person’s story.

This memoir has all the usual ingredients: hard life, squandered opportunities, mental illness, staggering obstacles, grief and poverty. However, interspersed with the harsh realities she and her family faced, there was laughter, love, family, tradition and Newfoundland. Which has to be a standalone because of the incredible influence it leaves on its native sons and daughters. Her parents overcame every one of the many obstacles that were thrown their way. Throughout their experiences with betrayal, loss and overwhelming challenges, their love was the foundation that kept the large family buoyant and resilient.

Morrissey acknowledges she had a knack for oral storytelling but had no idea that she possessed the skills to commit her stories to paper. Luckily, continued encouragement from a friend finally inspired her to pick up her pen.

“Pluck” is happy and sad and all that comes in between. But above all else, it is a great read.