Girl Runner is the story of Aganetha Smart, a former Olympic athlete who was famous in the 1920s, but now, at age 104, lives in a nursing home, alone and forgotten by history. For Aganetha, a competitive and ambitious woman, her life remains present and unfinished in her mind. When her quiet life is disturbed by the unexpected arrival of two young strangers, Aganetha begins to reflect on her childhood in rural Ontario and her struggles to make an independent life for herself in the city. Without revealing who they are, or what they may want from her, the visitors take Aganetha on an outing from the nursing home. As ready as ever for adventure, Aganetha’s memories are stirred when the pair return her to the family farm where she was raised. The devastation of WWI and the Spanish flu epidemic, the optimism of the 1920s and the sacrifices of the 1930s play out in Aganetha’s mind, as she wrestles with the confusion and displacement of the present. Part historical page-turner, part contemporary mystery, Girl Runner is an engaging and endearing story about family, ambition, athletics and the dedicated pursuit of one’s passions. It is also, ultimately, about a woman who follows the singular, heart-breaking and inspiring course of her life until the very end.
Carrie Snyder Books
Carrie Snyder crafts narratives that delve into the intricate dynamics of human relationships and the internal landscapes of her characters. Her distinctive style is marked by subtle observation and a profound grasp of psychological nuance. Snyder skillfully weaves elements of the mundane with understated hints of the uncanny, creating a uniquely resonant atmosphere. Her works explore the enduring themes of family, memory, and the search for identity in contemporary life.
Francie's Got a Gun
- 296 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Recognized as one of CBC's best Canadian fiction books of 2022, this novel offers a compelling narrative that explores profound themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships. The story unfolds through richly developed characters, each navigating their own struggles and triumphs within a vividly depicted Canadian landscape. With its poignant prose and insightful observations, the book invites readers to reflect on their own experiences while delivering an engaging and thought-provoking journey.
Ich heiße Aganetha Smart. Ich bin 104 Jahre alt. Mein ganzes Leben war und ist Bewegung. Als eines Tages zwei junge Leute in ihrem Altenheim auftauchen, um sie - die einstige kühne Pionierin - für einen Film über weibliche Athleten zu interviewen, sagt sie bereitwillig zu. Trotz ihrer Gebrechlichkeit sehnt sie sich nach Abenteuer. Oft denkt sie an ihre Erfolge zurück. An ihre Goldmedaille bei den Olympischen Spielen. Durch die beiden Besucher wird Aganetha nun wieder mit den Erinnerungen an ihr Leben konfrontiert, auch mit einer Lüge, die bis zum heutigen Tag Bestand hat. Und ihr wird mehr und mehr klar, dass die beiden nicht die sind, für die sie sich ausgeben …