Englishman's Boy, The Paperback - 1997

First line

Even from such a distance Fine Man could smell their camp, the fried-pig stink of white men.

Media reviews

“It is a wonder and a glory – written by a man who has plundered the language for all its treasures. The story of the Englishman’s boy and his journey into hell and back is absolutely riveting.”
–Timothy Findley

“The Englishman’s Boy is one of the finest historical novels ever written by a Canadian, an impossible-to-put-down adventure story that also packs some keen insights into the way civilization works.…”
–Maclean’s

“A vital and important novel with a bitterly coruscating message at its heart. Read it now.”
–Edmonton Journal

“A great accomplishment.”
–Richard Ford

“A stunning performance. Highly enjoyable. I couldn’t put it down.”
–Mordecai Richler

“The canvas is broad, the writing is vivid, and the two story-lines are deftly interwoven to contrast cinematic ‘truth’ with history as it happened. An intense and original piece of writing.”
–The Bookseller (U.K.)

“A richly textured epic that passes with flying colors every test that could be applied for good storytelling.”
–Saskatoon StarPhoenix

“Characters and landscapes are inscribed on the mind’s eye in language both startling and lustrous.”
–Globe and Mail

“Vanderhaeghe succeeds at a daring act: he juggles style and stories with the skill of a master.…”
–Financial Post

“There isn’t a dull moment.”
–Toronto Sun

“A fine piece of storytelling, which, like all serious works of literature, as it tells its tale connects us to timeless human themes.”
–Winnipeg Sun

“The Great Canadian Western.”
–Canadian Forum

“Thematically, this is a big book, an important book, about history and truth, brutality and lies.”
–Georgia Straight

“A compelling read.”
–Halifax Daily News

“Vanderhaeghe shows himself to be as fine a stylist as there is writing today.”
–Ottawa Citizen


From the Hardcover edition.