Twenty-One Ways to Die in Saskatchewan
In this poignant collection of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry, Nova Scotian author R.E. Stansfield reflects on growing up on the Prairies while exploring, both metaphorically and physically, the many ways we “die.” From the young boy called to the principal’s office, to the immigrant adolescent confronted by schoolyard bullies, to the grandfather haunted by the German soldier he killed, to the Cree truckdriver hauling nuclear material, Stansfield brings to life those soul-crushing events we all experience, sometimes leading to redemption and rebirth. Read the first chapter.
by R.E. Stansfield
PUBLISHED APRIL 2020 | ISBN 978-1-7753717-4-8 • FICTION / POETRY / SHORT STORIES • 256 PAGES / BLACK & WHITE INTERIOR ILLUSTRATIONS BY MERLE HARLEY / 5.35 × 8 IN / SOFTCOVER
EXCERPT
Runt slouched against the metal pole at the top of the stairwell, bracing himself as the bus lurched sideways suddenly, the uncomfortable prickle of cold creeping into the ends of his gloved fingers. The lobes of his exposed ears had already gone senseless waiting at the bus stop long before he had even climbed aboard. He hated winter. He hated its sub-zero ferocity. He hated its never-ending tedium of mountainous snowbanks, ice-caked drifts and frozen ruts.
He hated the bus, too, with its dim interior lights and cloying stagnant air. He hated the constant rumble and roar of the diesel beneath his feet. He hated the antiquated heating system that had long since surrendered in its battle to keep the intense cold outside at bay. He hated the sprinkling of other passengers silent and unmoving like cadavers in a tomb, enveloped within mounds of thick winter clothing that smelled of wet wool and stale mothballs. It made Runt claustrophobic and slightly nauseous. He couldn’t wait to make his escape. But escape to what? All that awaited him outside was the dreaded winter he hated most of all.
REVIEW(S)
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But my soul was touched, dare I say transformed while reading my favourite story—Chapter 19 – Transformation… The author has effectively explored the many ways we “die” and how life events can lead to a rebirth of mind and spirit.
LANA SHUPE, ATLANTIC BOOK REVIEWS
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completely drawing the reader in. Each way we "die" is unique and interesting, and lends a good perspective on life in the prairies.
SEBASTIAN, GOODREADS
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of short stories and poetry interwoven into a tapestry of life on the Canadian prairies. Loved it!
R.E., GOODREADS
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[Twenty-One Ways to Die in Saskatchewan] is like a Nova Scotia hodge-podge: each ingredient good on its own but added to the mélange, creates a whole new experience.... Thanks for one of the best reads I’ve had in a long time and for making me ponder, tear up and belly laugh out loud.
CLARY CROFT, FOLKLORIST, WRITER AND ENTERTAINER