by
In the early 1900’s, a Manx family of miners subsists on a small-hold farm; their lives are stable, steeped in routines, love and faery lore, but they are on the verge of ruin. The young family must leave forever, in search of a new life. On a three-decade journey, from Isle of Man to Michigan, Manitoulin Island and Saskatchewan, we follow the mother and her eldest son, together and separately, as they gain independence, confidence and strength in unfamiliar lands. They must struggle to surmount betrayal, lies, abuse and heartbreak. Is there time to heal old wounds and build a future?
“Where was I?” Grandad stared blankly at John. He tucked his pipe between his teeth and picked up his fiddle. “Ah yes, you asked about the Phynodderree. Half man, half goat. You never know if Himself’s inclined to grant a wish, but no harm in asking. Just remember, Lhiat myr hoilloo: to thee as thou deservest. You might well get what you deserve. Themselves are neither good enough for heaven, nor bad enough for hell, and they delight in tricking us mortals.” His blue eyes sparkled as he deliberately squeaked his bow and lowered his grey head in the children’s direction with a menacing look. They instinctively moved back. Grandad sputtered a laugh.
“And what do we deserve, Da?” William’s voice scraped across the room like his chair on the slate floor. “To slave in a mine threatening to close every day, for starvation wages? Potatoes and proverbs, that’s what we live on. Don’t these bairns deserve better?”
READ MORESilence, but for the popping fire and the knitting needles, clicking out of time. Euphemia’s shoulders tensed. It’s no use; the wool keeps slipping. I’ll have to unravel all tonight’s work. Start again. Her eyes blurred.
“Mum, don’t knit.” Henry moaned. Euphemia pursed her lips. Cheeky bugger. “Please,” he added, with a look that reminded her of Blackie, begging forgiveness. His father’s harsh tone toward Grandad had obviously upset him. And the other boys, too, who sat frozen, hunched over, staring at the fire.
COLLAPSEAli Bryan, author of Coq on Advanced Reader Review wrote:"Time Enough follows the journey of a family across an ocean, a continent and the decades. It’s a heartfelt story written in musical prose that probes the strengths and breaking points of family bonds. Lise Mayne’s skills as a writer shine on every page in what is clearly a labour of love. In reading Time Enough we are time travellers, immersed in the rich scents, sights and sounds of another era. This is a magical, charming and spellbinding novel."
"Time Enough, is an epic family saga that explores the power of love, courage and what it means to be home. Meticulously researched and exquisitely rendered, Mayne stakes her claim as a historical fiction writer-to-watch. A masterful achievement."
