The Shipping News

Immerse yourself in the richly woven narrative of The Shipping News by Annie Proulx, a novel that has captivated readers worldwide with its striking portrayal of human resilience and transformation. This Pulitzer Prize-winning story follows Quoyle, a bumbling, down-on-his-luck journalist, as he attempts to rebuild his shattered life. Relocating from the bustling chaos of New York to the remote and starkly beautiful Newfoundland, Quoyle's journey is one of profound personal discovery.

Following the tragic death of his unfaithful wife in a dramatic car accident, Quoyle finds himself compelled to return to his ancestral homeland. Accompanied by his indomitable aunt and his two unruly daughters, Bunny and Sunshine, he relocates to a dilapidated family property perched on the rugged Newfoundland coastline. Here, in a land as harsh and unforgiving as it is breathtakingly beautiful, Quoyle begins to uncover the secrets of his family's past while forging a new path for his future.

Amidst the bitter cold, daunting cliffs, and ice-filled bays, Quoyle lands a job at the local newspaper, The Gammy Bird. With each article he writes on maritime mishaps and weather seafarers, his dormant self-worth starts to awaken. As the community around him faces their own life struggles, Quoyle's interactions with them foster growth, redemption, and an unexpected sense of belonging.

With her trademark wit and lyrical prose, Proulx paints an evocative portrait of the Newfoundland landscape and its inhabitants. The Shipping News brilliantly amalgamates comedy and pathos, capturing the humour and heartache inherent in the human condition. This novel is a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the restorative power of place.

The Shipping News will draw you into its vivid world, making you yearn for a simple meal at The Flying Squid Lunchstop, where you can savour Seal Fin curry while watching the majestic icebergs drift by in the bay.

This reissue of The Shipping News coincides with the release of Annie Proulx's new novel, That Old Ace in the Hole, offering both long-time fans and new readers the opportunity to revisit or discover the literary brilliance that has made Proulx an internationally acclaimed author.