Ananias

where fishing provides not only livelihood, income and sustenance, but also the salt cod used as barter to trade for all essentials not grown or produced on the island – goods delivered by merchant ships cross-crossing the Atlantic in weather both fair and foul, fueling the life-blood of the economy as well as feeding the isolated community much needed news and broader social intercourse.

The book follows the true-life story of one young man, Ananias (Annie) Case, based in Bridport, England, who, unable to avoid a terrible conflict, finds himself on the wrong side of the law. On the run, boarding a ship setting sail for Newfoundland, – Annie’s plan is nothing more than grasping a vague promise of a new life and a fresh start in a world with only tenuous links to his own.

“Like the ancient mariner, you end up paying for your sins. Problem is that you don’t always know when or how you’ve sinned. That’s the bewildering part. And when all is said and done, finding joy again can be elusive.”

Graced with education, but burdened by the parameters of his less than enviable social class, Annie must find himself a place and a new life In a culture rife with physical hardship, religious asceticism, poverty and the brutal vagaries of winter storms, blinding fog, and rampant illness.

None of which is as difficult for Annie to master as his overarching, always present, deep to his core, guilt and shame, – a constant reminder of the secret he holds; his forced alienation from his loved ones; his life so profoundly altered.

“Grief is like a keg full of regrets and recollections with only so much room. So you gotta seal her up tight. Good on lonely nights – but she’ll run dry so you can’t binge on it. Won’t do nobody any good.”

Rich with immersive detail and impeccably researched, this book is a marvel. Based on the life of his great-great-great-grandfather, and undoubtedly a labor of love for the author, I read this book with no labor and much love for this bright, broken and best-intentioned young man. Without giving the plot away (no spoilers here), I found Annie and his journey equal parts tragic and inspiring, losing myself entirely to the historical context, of which I knew very little.

TERRI, BOOKLY MATTERS

The chapters, titled by place and date, are full of life and detail.

The author has pulled research from family records and historical events, not just the sealer’s strike and Methodist revival but ship’s crews and weather reports.

And then, as he credits his wife in commenting, he just made it all up as he went along.

JOAN SULLIVAN, SALTWIRE

The details woven into the historical facts are captivating. I grew up in the town of Carbonear NL and my father was born in Freshwater CBN, NL in 1913. I learned new facts about the area I call home...for example Marshalls Folly. Never heard of it before reading Ananias!

Well done Mr. Case. I am looking forward to your next one to discover what happens to the real character Ananias as he builds his life in 19th century Newfoundland.

F. DAVIS, GOODREADS

and her dominion of Newfoundland. This is a story of skeletons in closets and ghosts of the mind. This colourful novel will intrigue the reader and make them want to turn the page, yet never want the story to end.

The accuracy of Newfoundland dialect and charm of the characters will make anyone believe they know them as their own kin. The relevance of the protagonist, Ananias Case, to any reader can be found simply by way of dealing with love, loss, and liberty as he is forced to grow up faster in order to adapt and survive. The harsh reality of his situation and the roller coaster of emotions makes it truly unavoidable not to cheer for him and pray for a positive outcome.

The biblical analogies, meaningful metaphors, historically accurate harsh employment opportunities, and charming friendships are laced throughout the novel. With an offering of brilliant typical Newfoundland wit, the characters presented will make anyone with a connection to Newfoundland and Labrador smile, for they will all know someone just like Ananias' friend, Will Parsons, whom is the quintessential sarcastically charming friend we all have.

James Case's first novel proves to be a gem from "the rock" and a must read! If you are searching for a story about second chances, love, true friendship, and adapting to your surroundings in order to survive, this is the novel for you. Grab a cup of tea (or a pint of ale) and prepare for a trip to the 19th Century small kitchens, dark and diabolic public houses, and lit hearths that will warm your heart and soul.

Bravo to James Case on writing this wonderful piece of prose, that is arguably one of the finest rookie novels to ever come out of NL in recent times.

MTJ RYAN, GOODREADS

[Ananias] was a page turner. I loved the writing, the history and the vivid descriptions of the times and places ... At times I felt I was there, I could smell the salt air, taste the fish and brewis and experienced the excitement at Guy Fawke’s Bonfire Night.

ELINOR GILL RATCLIFFE, ORDER OF CANADA AND ARTS PHILANTHROPIST

class inequity, the prison system, immigration, the role of women. Enjoy it for a well-written story or use it as an impetus to consider social justice issues that continue to confront us.

LISA BROWNE

and an attention to historical detail that belies the fiction genre... A captivating and enlightening read.

TIM HOLLETT

You’ll get lost in the story about a man in search of a new life, at a time when the world remains deeply inequitable, unstable and fast-changing.

JENN THORNHILL VERMA, ATLANTIC BOOKS TODAY

As historical fiction, I got as much joy out of reading this novel as I did from any of the English classics such as Wuthering Heights or Pride and Prejudice. It was extremely well written and researched.

GOODREADS REVIEW