Staff Pick
Inspired by the life of Niagara Falls's famed "riverman," William "Red" Hill, The Day the Falls Stood Still is set during the early days of hydro-electric power. When the boss's daughter falls for the "riverman," class lines and propriety fall away. This is a great love story that shows how tragedy can shape, though not destroy, a family. Niagara Falls is a character in its own right in this fascinating historical novel. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
"A wonderful love story . . . Buchanan weaves Niagara Falls' history and her storytelling together masterfully."
--Elle
1915. Niagara Falls. The dawn of the hydroelectric power era. Seventeen-year-old Bess Heath, who has led a sheltered existence as the younger daughter of the director of the Niagara Power Company, meets Tom Cole by chance on a trolley platform and finds herself inexplicably drawn to him--against her family's strong objections. Tom is not from their world. Rough-hewn and fearless, he lives off what the river provides and has an uncanny ability to predict the whims of the falls. His daring river rescues render him a local hero and cast him as a threat to the power companies who seek to harness the power of the falls for themselves. As the paths of Bess and Tom become entwined, Bess must make a painful choice between what she wants and what is best for her family and her future.
About the Author
Cathy Marie Buchanan was born and raised in Niagara Falls and lives in Toronto. A graduate of the Humber School of Writing, her fiction has appeared in some of Canada's premiere journals, including: The Antigonish Review, The Dalhousie Review, The New Quarterly and Toronto Life. She is the recipient of grants from both the Toronto Arts Council and the Ontario Arts Council.