The Seaboard Review of Books
Volume 3, Issue 4 of The Seaboard Review of Books, January 26, 2026
In this issue:
7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga by David A. Robertson (Fiction, Graphic Novel)
On Hammet Shore by Shelagh Meagher (Fiction)
Seven Days in Halifax by Robert Ashe (Non-Fiction)
On Sports by David Macfarlane (Non-Fiction)
Excerpt: The Zen of Poetry by Cynthia Sharp (Poetry, Non-Fiction)
Short Fiction: The Song of the World by M. G. Turner
Thanks for reading this issue of The Seaboard Review of Books!
James M. Fisher, editor-in-chief
Fiction
7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga by David A. Robertson
A typical tourist reaction on seeing ancient hieroglyphics is, “Ooo, how charmingly primitive.” Accompanied, inevitably, by a superior smile. After all, we in the present day, with our printed materials, are long past mere drawings.
On Hammet Shore by Shelagh Meagher
Henry’s love for Little Hammet is strong and, as much as he tried for years, he couldn’t stay away. He lives there now, most seasons, in the little cabin with its small bed and wood stove, its accompanying outhouse where he finds “comfort in placing his butt over the same, smooth hole he used as a kid.”
Non-Fiction
Seven Days in Halifax by Robert Ashe
As someone who spends a lot of time in Halifax’s past, I’m always excited to read about a chapter in the former city’s history that I didn’t know about. Seven Days in Halifax: When citizens confronted the racists, liars and incompetents who ran their city
On Sports by David Macfarlane
Would it be possible to like and dislike something at the same time? In David Macfarlane’s case, the answer is a resounding yes. In On Sports, Macfarlane shares his ambivalence toward the title topic. Macfarlane weaves in childhood memories, experiences as a fan and interviewer, and factual information, with his smooth writing style, making for an enjoy…
Poetry
Excerpt: The Zen of Poetry by Cynthia Sharp
I’m so grateful to The Seaboard Review of Book’s Editor-in-Chief James M. Fisher for this opportunity to share an excerpt from my new release The Zen of Poetry for Beginner to Intermediate Writers! Like Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, The Zen of Poetry for Beginner to Intermediate Writers
Short Fiction
The Song of the World: Short Fiction by M. G. Turner
No one knew from whence the blind bard hailed. It was like he simply appeared, gnarled staff in hand, confidently climbing those rocky Anatolian hills despite his age-old blindness. Some said he had been brought to their shores a slave, by pirates, having entertained them on their long sea voyages; others that he was a true son of Asia Minor and came fr…
Sorry, Not Sorry by Mark Critch
In Sorry, Not Sorry: An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting For, Canadian comedian, actor, and writer Mark Critch offers a funny and passionate defence of the country he loves. Blending memoir, satirical takes on the political situation, history, and future imaginings, Sorry, Not Sorry is both funny and informative. Chapters discussing Canada’s “family dynamics,” Newfoundland history, and Critch’s mother’s fascination with the monarchy were among the highlights for me. Critch’s comments on Canadian Content rules and the history of Canada’s flag were also interesting.
Sorry, Not Sorry satirizes a certain American politician’s ambitions to make Canada the 51st state, while also including references to past American plans to take over Canada. Like Louise Penny’s The Black Wolf, Critch discusses the Americans’ War Plan Red, albeit more satirically. Readers who enjoy Critch’s humour on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Son of a Critch should enjoy this book. (Contributed by Lisa Timpf)
The Fiddlehead invites you to celebrate the launch of Issue 306 on Saturday, February 7, 2–3 PM Atlantic Time, both in person at the Fredericton Public Library and online via Zoom. Join us for an afternoon of readings by Ariadne Asho, winner of the 2025 Fiction contest, along with fellow issue 306 contributors, John McNeil and José Teodoro! To attend the readings virtually, email thefiddlehead@gmail.com with your name to receive the Zoom link.
TSR Contributor Spotlight
Ontario resident Lisa Timpf writes poetry, book reviews, short stories, and creative nonfiction. Her speculative poetry collections Cats and Dogs in Space (2025) and In Days to Come (2022) are available from Hiraeth Publishing in print and electronic formats. You can find out more about Lisa’s writing projects at http://lisatimpf.blogspot.com/. Lisa is also on Bluesky, @lisatimpf.bsky.social, and her author Facebook page is @lisa.timpf.author.
The Seaboard Review of Books is proud to be a sponsor of The New Brunswick Book Awards!