There are times when a story just touches you. Funny, endearing, and essentially rather simple. Life in Little Cove is simple. What it lacks in numbers it excels in characters. In the NEW GIRL IN LITTLE COVE, the author Damhnait Monaghan immerses the reader in the traditions, language, and humanity of a very small community in Newfoundland. The first thing you will learn is how to pronounce Newfoundland. Without that skill, you will forever be seen as a mainlander. And Rachel O’Brien immediately realizes that maintaining that division will not grant her any favors with the people she meets and teaches in Little Cove.

First off is a warning. Tread lightly through the beginning chapter or so until you get a feel for the language which is English but not like anything you’ve ever heard. I realized that just like in some of the British humor I’ve learned to covet, NEW GIRL IN LITTLE COVE is about people that have grown up with a unique way with words.

For those who seldom stray from their hometown dialects are almost traditions and part of the culture of many places. When I first moved from New Jersey to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania I was sure I had landed somewhere unique. Then after living there for over a decade some of those idioms had become part of my unconscious speech. I got it. You will too and once it sinks in this amazing book just may become one of your favorites.

Tough moving into a position teaching French to teenagers many of whom have no desire to learn. Part of that comes from family pressure to learn something that has employment value. Especially important in a small town with scant possibilities. Little Cove is a lot like many small towns where kids wait for the time when they can move on and make their mark.

Some folks stay because of family obligations. But all find their way – in their own way. And Rachel O’Brien is finding her way. Success in her classroom is a challenge. But when it happens it is glorious. Rachel’s position is for one year. She initially wound up in Little Cove having missed openings closer to where she lived. Moving to Little Cove was a way to get a fresh start. Life had beaten Rachel down. After her father’s death, both Rachel and her mother needed a way out of their sadness and grief. Her mom took a long-revered sabbatical. Rachel answered an ad and found herself in a strange new place.

The language was the first indication that Rachel had landed somewhere that might not work out so well, but it was only for one year. Rachel needed to find ways to fit in but so far, she was a walking disaster when it came to communication. Funny since language was her specialty. Well, French at least. Newfoundland talk was a different animal. In some ways a shortened speech, missed syllables. In other cases filled to overflow with excess baggage. In either case glorious even if difficult to translate. Her first notice was her own name. O’Brien became O’Brine.

Through Rachel we get a chance to meet some amazing characters in NEW GIRL IN LITTLE COVE. NEW GIRL IN LITTLE COVE is the breakout novel by Damhnait Monaghan. Monaghan used a combination of memories and creative genius to create this world. Midstream you feel right at home. NEW GIRL IN LITTLE COVE is a glorious mix of customs and oddities that survive through generations. We are invited to visit for a while. Thanks to Damhnait Monaghan.

Book Summary

Read an Excerpt