(Photo: Colin Peddle) Inspired by historical events, Wayne Johnston’s entertaining fictional biography of Newfoundland’s first premier reveals a brash, ambitious man of contradictions whose bold dreams were often naive.
The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Vintage) is told in the first person by Johnston’s version of Joey Smallwood. This Between the Covers reading of the book is a tale full of lengthy journeys and thwarted loves.
At this point in the story Smallwood endures political betrayal and continues to strive for a better lot for the working poor in Newfoundland.
At the same time as he’s openly passionate about Newfoundland’s future, Smallwood can’t seem to express his personal feelings for the love of his life — journalist and former school chum Sheilagh Fielding.
Each episode of Between the Covers is 15 to 17 minutes.
Episode 10: Joey's dreams for the country of Newfoundland take a terrible blow.
Episode 11: Joey becomes a radio personality and Fielding gives up drinking.
Episode 12: Joey feels betrayed when Fielding is seen with an American soldier.
You can also listen to previous episodes of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams.
If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site. At the moment, you can listen to Family Matters (Emblem Editions) by Rohinton Mistry and Clara Callan (HarperFlamingo) by Richard B. Wright.
Words at Large is CBC’s online destination for Canadians who love books. Look for something new every day, from CBC programs and podcasts, to interviews with writers and more. Stay tuned for our newly designed and expanded site.
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