McNAB: An Historical Novel Based in 1800s Upper Canada
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McNAB
by David Mulholland
General Store Publishing House
ISBN#1-897113-46-3
ISBN#9781897113462
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Reviewed by Linda McKale
Mulholland informs his readers that this book is primarily a novel, written for readers' enjoyment but it is also partially based on historical facts. The story takes place in what is now called the Ottawa Valley, Ontario.
McNab, Chief and Laird of the Clan McNab, emigrated to Upper Canada [Ontario] in the 1820s, eluding his creditors in Scotland. Due to his charm and Clan title, he gained the confidence of the Family Compact - the British clique that controlled the local government and he convinced them to entrust him with the settlement of a nearby township.
He then proceeded to bring over crofters from his homeland to clear the bush and work the land.
Although the township land was only entrusted to him for development, he claimed ownership and imposed the feudal system in which his settlers were to pay rent to him and his heirs forever.
For the next 16 years the farmers struggled to free themselves from this bondage and gain rightful title to their land and verbally battle the aristocratic clique.
Excellent research by the author gives us a very accurate record of this era and of the emigrants who had escaped from the cruel and harsh conditions of their lives in Scotland in the hopes of a better life in this new country, Canada.
Several actual documents are reproduced in this book which give the readers much insight into the psyche and lifestyle of the crofters.
On a lighter side, we follow the romancing of the piper MacGregor and his fervor in winning the hand of a local Irish lass. MacGregor is very torn between his loyalty to the McNab Clan and his longing for justice for the settlers.
There is also the eyebrow raising account of the relationship between the laird and his housekeeper.
David Mulholland has produced a great novel and has truly achieved his goal in giving us a "good read."
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