“No Ocean Too Wide” by Carrie Turansky – Review

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans–but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans’ home before Laura is notified about her family’s unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God”.

Wow, can Carrie Turansky write! No Ocean Too Wide is one of those books that might get you labeled ‘crazy’ by anyone who’s near you when you’re reading – because if you’re anything like me, you’ll be yelling back at the people in the book who are making Laura’s life so difficult!

Honestly, for much of the story it seems as if the McAlister family can’t catch a break. The system is against anyone without money or standing, and despite the obvious care and character that each family member possesses, life takes dark turns for them. Turansky made this all feel so incredibly real that it was difficult to read at times. I didn’t want to see these sweet people face any more trouble, and yet the writing on the wall was clear: blue skies were not overhead yet. Knowing that this is based on basic practices that were real makes it that much more frustrating.

While there was an ending for certain parties in this story, neither the series nor the over-arcing plotline is complete. I’m anxious to know how Turansky will find resolution for the McAlister family AND what happens to this practice of sending kids overseas. As kid transports have been done for different reasons throughout history, I suppose that means that it wasn’t completely ended – but perhaps it was greatly improved? I can’t wait to find out.

While I admire each McAlister’s character, this story isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s not a happy-go-lucky story, so it may be best for those with a strong interest in history or social justice issues. It’s not your typical beach read, but it is a very well-written, dramatic, tug-at-your-heartstrings kind of story, and I’m very glad I read it. Grab a box of tissues and settle in to read No Ocean Too Wide. You’ll be very glad you did.

I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.