Helen Humphreys is a celebrated author whose work spans poetry, novels, and creative non-fiction. Her prose delves into the complexities of human relationships and the inner lives of characters with profound psychological insight. Humphreys is known for her precise use of language and her ability to craft evocative atmospheres that draw readers deeply into her narratives. Her writing is characterized by a distinctive voice and a unique exploration of the human experience.
Explores the search for identity and meaning, and captures the tension between the yearnings and the sexuality of the Victorian age. Annie arrives at a wealthy house to work as a maid. Used to the labour of servitude, she soon finds herself drawn into a world where dreams are possible.
In its long history, the river Thames has frozen solid forty times. These are the stories of that frozen river.
We tend to look at landscape in relation to what it can do for us. Does it move us with its beauty? Can we make a living from it? But what if we examined a landscape on its own terms, freed from our expectations and assumptions?This is what celebrated writer Helen Humphreys sets out to do in this stunning, groundbreaking examination of place. For more than a decade Humphreys has owned a small waterside property on a section of the Napanee River in Ontario. In the watchful way of writers, she has studied her little piece of the river through the seasons and the years, cataloguing its ebb and flows, the plants and creatures that live in and round it, the signs of human usage at its banks and on its bottom.The River is the result, a gorgeous and moving meditation that uses fiction, non-fiction, natural history, archival maps and images, and stunning full-color photographs to get at the truth. In doing this, Humphreys has created a work of startling originality that is sure to become a new Canadian classic.
Set against the backdrop of the Luftwaffe's bombing of Coventry on November 14, 1940, the narrative explores the intertwining lives of Harriet Marsh, a fire watcher named Jeremy, and his mother Maeve, an artist. As they confront the horrors of war, the story delves into themes of resilience, compassion, and the enduring impact of trauma. Through their experiences, the book highlights the strength of the human spirit amidst devastation, ultimately offering a message of hope and transformation in the face of adversity.
And A Dog called Fig is a study of how animals help writers deal with the challenges of the creative process, insterspersing the author's own experience with stories of other famous writers and their dogs
Helen Humphreys delivers a compelling narrative in her second novel, showcasing her distinct voice and storytelling prowess. This work explores intricate themes and character dynamics, further solidifying her reputation as a notable Canadian author. With a blend of lyrical prose and emotional depth, the story captivates readers, drawing them into its rich tapestry of experiences and reflections.
The narrative explores the profound bond between Willa, a novice flyer, and Grace, a celebrated aviator, as they pursue their passion for flight amidst the challenges of their time. Their journey of friendship unfolds against a backdrop of rising anti-Semitism, impacting Maddy, a young admirer of Grace, and her Jewish family. With Maddy's mother facing violent threats due to her heritage, the story weaves together themes of courage, aspiration, and the harsh realities of societal prejudice, creating a poignant contrast between dreams and danger.
In Field Study, award-winning author Helen Humphreys returns to her brilliant illustrated meditations, this time to delve into the lost world of herbarium collections to examine where and how we look to find the solace of nature in a declining natural world.
A lonely boy in a prairie town befriends a local outsider in 1947 and then witnesses a shocking murder. Based on a true story. Canwood, Saskatchewan, 1947. Leonard Flint, a lonely boy in a small farming town befriends the local outsider, a man known as Rabbit Foot Bill. Bill doesn't talk much, but he allows Leonard to accompany him as he sets rabbit snares and to visit his small, secluded dwelling. Being with Bill is everything to young Leonard--an escape from school, bullies and a hard father. So his shock is absolute when he witnesses Bill commit a sudden violent act and loses him to prison. Fifteen years on, as a newly graduated doctor of psychiatry, Leonard arrives at the Weyburn Mental Hospital, both excited and intimidated by the massive institution known for its experimental LSD trials. To Leonard's great surprise, at the Weyburn he is reunited with Bill and soon becomes fixated on discovering what happened on that fateful day in 1947. Based on a true story, this page-turning novel from a master stylist examines the frailty and resilience of the human mind.
Set against the backdrop of early 1941 Britain, this poignant novel follows Gwen Davis, a young gardener who escapes the devastation of the Blitz to lead a group of girls in restoring an old estate's gardens. Amidst the chaos of war, she encounters Canadian soldiers and forms deep connections, including her first love and meaningful friendships. As they work together to revive the gardens, Gwen embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately finding hope and purpose in a time of despair. A reading group guide is included.