Lesley Crewe’s latest book, The Spirit of Scaterie is “part ghost story, part romance, part history, and a stirring tribute to young soldiers, their brave war brides” (back cover, ARC), and follows the lives of three babies born on Christmas Day 1922 on a small island off Cape Breton called Scaterie Island. The story is told through the eyes of Cara, a spirit who inhabits the island.
“I can say without hesitation that The Spirit of Scaterie has secured its place as my favourite book of 2025.”
The story follows three babies who grow up together as best friends, each taking a different path in life, yet remaining intertwined through their enduring love and respect for one another and their love for Scaterie Island.
Crewe’s storytelling is compelling. I was hooked from the first page. Her prose weaves humour, sadness, and the raw realities of the rural island life on Scaterie Island into a narrative that feels both authentic and deeply human. Each character was unique and nuanced in their own ways, and I found myself identifying with every one of them.
One character we meet is Jane, a War Bride who leaves everything behind in London to start a new life on Scaterie after the World War II. She boards the Letitia bound for an unfamiliar world, arriving in Halifax through Pier 21.
Reading her story made me think of my own Grammy, who came to Canada after the war to be with my Grampie. Although she crossed on the Queen Mary, she also stepped onto Canadian soil through Pier 21.
Seeing Canada through Jane’s eyes felt sentimental for me, as I’m sure it mirrored my Grammy’s own shock at encountering detached houses, wide roads, open spaces, and long train rides. Jane was from London, while my Grammy was from Glasgow, and in both cities a half-hour train ride could take you almost anywhere. In Canada, the distances were vast.
So often I resonate with Crewe’s writing, but one passage from Cara’s voice stayed with me:
“…seeing how someone can come in and completely change the other’s course. A quiet talk, a listening ear, holding someone close. Warm soup. None of that takes power or brilliance…”
She goes on to reflect on the people of Scaterie Island:
“They didn’t have access to a lot. But then, you don’t need a lot. You need love, and love is a letter. And a white bassinet. And a punch to the shoulder. And a dog.” (Page 286–287, ARC).
I’ve always approached life with the belief that if you can be anything, be kind.
Having loved The Spoon Stealer and Kin, the former being my favourite book of 2021, I can say without hesitation that The Spirit of Scaterie has secured its place as my favourite book of 2025.
It’s a heartfelt, richly layered story that lingers long after the last page, reminding us that love, friendship, and loyalty are what truly anchor us, no matter where life takes us.
About the Author
Lesley Crewe is The Globe and Mail bestselling author of fourteen novels, and lives in Homeville, Nova Scotia. Visit her at lesleycrewe.com.
About the Reviewer
A former newspaper editor, Shannon MacLeod is passionate about Canadian Press Style and typography (she gets twitchy when she is forced to read certain fonts). Shannon enjoys music (singing, playing, and listening), gardening, cooking, baking, reading, and being active in her community. She loves spending time with her husband DJ, and her dogs, Moe (a pug) and Bronson (a border collie). Shannon has a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University with a double major in French literature and Canadian history, as well as a journalism certificate from Holland College and has completed training from the International Association for Public Participation. Professionally, Shannon is a Primary Care Engagement Advisor for Horizon Health Network. After living for 12 happy years in Miramichi, in December 2024, Shannon has started a new chapter living in Cocagne.
Book Details
Publisher : Vagrant Press
Publication date : Sept. 16 2025
Language : English
Print length : 392 pages
ISBN-10 : 1774714566
ISBN-13 : 978-1774714560