Emulating the circuitous tales told by his mother’s relatives, the Goodyears of Newfoundland, David Macfarlane weaves the major events of the island’s twentieth century-the ravages of tuberculosis, the great seal-hunt disaster, the bitter Confederation debate, and above all, the First World War-into his own tale of the ill-starred fortunes of his family. He brings to life a multi-generational cast of characters who are as colourful as only Newfoundlanders can be. With humour, insight and genuine love for these heroes and charlatans, pirates and dreamers, he explores the meaning of family and the consequences of forgotten history.