On Island

"A lively, engaging collection of island stories, full of deftly observed characters, most of whom would be wonderful to meet walking among “the Coast Dwellers.” A wonderful read from a very talented writer." —Anna Porter, award-winning author and publisher of Key Porter Books "Islanders like to think of ourselves as uniquely and happily distant from some of the constraints that bind mainlanders. Pat Carney’s On Island collection of short stories will leave you wanting more. Possessed of humour and whimsicality, Pat’s years in public life inform a compassionate and realistic portrayal of our distinctive Pacific Island ethos." —Iona Campagnolo, 27th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia "On Island is a delight from stem to stern. Who knew that Canada’s one and only Pat Carney, consultant, businesswoman, journalist, MP, Cabinet Minister, protector of lighthouses, and Senator, could also produce fiction so light-footed, nimble and lively? Carney’s stories are of life on an island not unlike Saturna Island, where she spends much of her time, and all of them "happened somewhere, sometime, on British Columbia’s coast.” Each tale is astutely and deftly told, and the collection as a whole offers readers an overview of and insights into a beautiful place and the people who make it home." —Anne Giardini, author of The Sad Truth About Happiness and Advice for Italian Boys "Pat Carney can now add “adept fiction writer” to her impressive catalogue of credentials. These stories about the pleasures and perils of life on an unnamed island are fond, wry, funny, and delivered in a tone that's both confiding and arch. On Island gave me much pleasure. I hope there’s more to come." —Bill Richardson, CBC radio host and author of Bachelor Brothers’ Bed and Breakfast "Carney has a great eye for detail, a charming writing voice, and she does a nice job of chronicling all the island characters, and the highs and lows of life on the Gulf Islands. People who visit regularly will recognize the daily dramas, like bats making their home in the church." —Tara Henley, CBC's On the Coast "Charming and wry . . . Carney demonstrates both the benefit and drawback of life in a relatively isolated and small place, and they are the same: everyone knows everyone." —Vancouver Sun "On Island: Life Among the Coast Dwellers tells the tales of people we all recognize. . . . Carney's writing style is engaging, wry at times. Her journalism experience has honed her ability to choose the mot juste and add the telling detail." —BC Magazine