Broken Ground

By Jack Hodgins | Publisher: McClelland & Stewart

About the book

Broken Ground is a riveting exploration of the dark, brooding presence of the First World War in the lives of the inhabitants of a “soldier’s settlement” on Vancouver Island. From out of a stubborn, desolate landscape studded with tree stumps, the settlers of Portuguese Creek have built a new life for themselves. But when an encroaching forest fire threatens this fledgling settlement, it also intensifies the remembered horrors of war. The story of Portuguese Creek is told by several of its citizens, including a boy trying to recover from the sudden loss of his father, and a former teacher haunted by what happened to the soldiers he led in France. With a memorable cast of characters, and by turns heart-rending and tragic, humorous and humane, Broken Ground is a powerful novel that immerses us in the lives of an entire community.

Editions of Broken Ground

Hardcover
ISBN 9780771041846
Paperback
ISBN 9780771041839

Read an Excerpt

Broken Ground is a riveting exploration of the dark, brooding presence of the First World War in the lives of the inhabitants of a “soldier’s settlement” on Vancouver Island. From out of a stubborn, desolate landscape studded with tree stumps, the settlers of Portuguese Creek have built a new life for themselves. But when an encroaching forest fire threatens this fledgling settlement, it also intensifies the remembered horrors of war. The story of Portuguese Creek is told by several of its citizens, including a boy trying to recover from the sudden loss of his father, and a former teacher haunted by what happened to the soldiers he led in France. With a memorable cast of characters, and by turns heart-rending and tragic, humorous and humane, Broken Ground is a powerful novel that immerses us in the lives of an entire community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broken Ground about?

Broken Ground is a riveting exploration of the dark, brooding presence of the First World War in the lives of the inhabitants of a “soldier’s settlement” on Vancouver Island. From out of a stubborn, desolate landscape studded with tree stumps, the settlers of Portuguese Creek have built a new life for themselves. But when an encroaching forest fire threatens this fledgling settlement, it also intensifies the remembered horrors of war. The story of Portuguese Creek is told by several of its citizens, including a boy trying to recover from the sudden loss of his father, and a former teacher haunted by what happened to the soldiers he led in France. With a memorable cast of characters, and by turns heart-rending and tragic, humorous and humane, Broken Ground is a powerful novel that immerses us in the lives of an entire community.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Broken Ground?

Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre

Where can I read a sample of Broken Ground?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780771041846

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Broken Ground?

Jack Hodgins

Who is the Publisher of the book Broken Ground?

McClelland & Stewart

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Broken Ground is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780771041846) and paperback(ISBN 9780771041839)

Where can I buy Broken Ground online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Broken Ground from below

Where can I buy Broken Ground?