Everything I Hope For by Cinda Gault - A Review

Cinda Gault’s Everything I Hope For is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age novel that explores themes of family, identity, love, and personal growth. Set in the early 1970s, the story follows Belinda Pompey, a bright and introspective young woman navigating the challenges of a fractured home, societal expectations, and the excitement of first love.

Belinda’s world is shifting—her parents’ marriage is falling apart, and with it, the stability of her childhood home. Her mother, determined to reclaim her independence, and her father, struggling to hold onto the remnants of his dignity, leave Belinda caught in the middle. As she grapples with the weight of their choices, she finds solace in literature, excelling in English and developing a keen understanding of human nature through the novels she reads

At the heart of the novel is Belinda’s relationship with John Resurreccion, a free-spirited young man with long hair, no real plan for the future, and a past shaped by the rise and fall of a rock band. Their connection is immediate yet layered with uncertainty. John’s charm and idealistic dreams of an unconventional life contrast with Belinda’s structured world, making their relationship a push-and-pull of desires, ambitions, and realities.

Gault’s writing is immersive and poetic, drawing readers into Belinda’s internal struggles with sharp, reflective prose. The novel captures the spirit of the era, from underground youth movements to the shifting roles of women in society. The dialogue is rich and authentic, revealing the complex relationships between Belinda and those around her.

Everything I Hope For is a poignant, deeply felt novel that doesn’t shy away from the messy, uncertain nature of growing up. It is a story of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of hope amidst life’s uncertainties. Fans of literary fiction and character-driven narratives will find much to admire in Gault’s thoughtful storytelling.

Book cover of 'Everything I Hope For' by Cinda Gault with photos and a book by D.H. Lawrence.

“A Small Compass” by Cinda Gault is a compelling historical novel that offers a deeply human perspective on the struggles and triumphs of two remarkable women. Through the lens of Isobel and Marie-Anne, Gault explores themes of identity, resistance, and the enduring quest for personal freedom. This novel is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds formed in the face of shared adversity. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction looking for a story that combines rich historical context with a powerful narrative of survival and solidarity.

— Literary Tales

What a pleasure to read about Canadian history for a change. I had previously heard about the Hudson's Bay fur trade, but never realized the perilous journey the men undertook in order to reach their destination. I felt like I was along for the journey. And to have such strong female characters was another bonus. Thank you for the wonderful read.

— Barbara

Love that it focuses on real Canadian pioneers. The lives of women are often told only in relationships with men. Marie-Anne and Isobel are front and centre throughout the book. It's a challenging story but an easy and interesting read. Can't wait to see if it is picked up for TV or a movie. I'll invite friends to pick up the book, I'm keeping my signed copy!

— Kathy

Riveting and shows the determination of those women and men who settled the west. The side of the laborer and woman so often not told.

— Leanna

A most excellent book, found it very riveting indeed. Congratulations, and thanks for the entertainment!

— Larry

This book was gratefully gifted to me! Cinda is a wonderful story-teller who takes the reader on a journey within Canada over 200 years ago. Two strong pioneering women come to life through Cinda’s vividly painted words and narrative. What a great amount of research she has put into the history of early settlers and Indigenous peoples! I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will suggest to my book clubs.

— jaygeew

This Godforsaken Place – Cinda Gault

Book Review by Take a Gander

What do Pinkertons, a career thief on the run, Gabriel Dumont, and Annie Oakley have to do with a young British schoolteacher left to her own devices in Northern Ontario?

Northern Ontario, between Thunder Bay and the Manitoba border, is rough terrain filled with millions of lakes and bugs as big as the moose that dwell there. Imagine setting off to ride a horse through that territory in 1885 when you have absolutely no idea what on earth you are doing or where on earth you are actually going, other than west and then south into the United States. Perhaps that naivete is what would convince someone that they could do that with no problem and, after all, just stick to the railroad tracks as much as possible.

This book is a good one.

The tongue-in-cheek humour may be lost on those who aren’t paying attention. Still, the characters are well-developed and interesting. Abigail is a stiff-upper-lip British gal wrapped up so much in her belief that anything can be learned, she isn’t daunted by guns, dead men, or the wilderness of Northern Ontario. She performs all of the things that a feral tomboy might be expected to do, but she does it with a practicality and style that is laughable. The echo of her mother’s words about not setting such ‘…a small compass ' seems to reverberate throughout the tale, reminding us that choices in life matter more than we are often aware of at the time we make them. The death of her father prompts her to buy a rifle, and everything shifts demonstrably.

Apparently, the offer of a comfortable lifestyle with a pleasant but ploddingly predictable man that she has no feelings for isn’t in the cards for Abigail. So, with no idea what she is doing, she sets off to right a wrong by finding someone in the United States about whom she has a vague but sketchy idea, and along the way, she finds out what life has to offer.

The interwoven adventures with the historical figures she encounters along her journey reveal lesser-known details about them, making them feel more realistic and interesting than they already were. This humanizes them beyond their perceived hero status and provides more insight into what shaped them for their roles in history. The subtle play on silly social norms and expectations for women is refreshing and revealing. Abigail swats them away like flies. She is neither weak nor ill-equipped to deal with what comes her way, even if it is so far beyond the pale that most men are left scratching their heads when she dodges their expectations.

In the end, this is a story where the women save the man, and he graciously accepts the outcome. This would make a great Canadian movie! Take a gander!"[H]istory is retold in thrilling fashion and shapes the course of the final chapters of this fast-paced, beautifully written yarn.”

—Take A Gander

"[H]istory is retold in thrilling fashion and shapes the course of the final chapters of this fast-paced, beautifully written yarn.”

— The Chronicle Journal

"[Gault reimagines] the Western in the tradition of Canadian writers like Patrick deWitt (The Sisters Brothers) and Guy Vanderhaeghe (The Englishman's Boy) who update a touchstone genre and make it their own."

— The Winnipeg Review

"In her researches into the famed characters of the American West and Louis Riel’s North West Rebellion, Gault was looking for a geographical nexus in which to intertwine the lives of her protagonist Abigail Peacock with an escaped member of Jesse James’ gang and famed Métis leader Gabriel Dumont."

— The Dryden Observer

"[W]e're handing the mic over to a writer whose work features a strong female character that does not fit the traditional mold."

— All Lit Up

"Abigail's brash, dryly humorous voice makes her an engaging heroine….[h]er descriptions of the mostly unpopulated landscape are starkly beautiful."

— Historical Novel Society

"Exploring the Canadian outback in This Godforsaken Place."

— The Ontarion

"[T]his Godforsaken Place blends its narrative with historical fact, a feature made possible by Dr. Gault’s extensive research."

—University of Guelph-Humber

"Gault managed to smoothly weave these two very different historical episodes into the story of Abigail Peacock from Wabigoon, Ontario."

— Consumed by Ink

"The main character, Abigail, was strong, opinionated, witty, and intelligent. The historic setting was interesting, and the writing was superb."

— Julie's Reading Corner

Everything I Hope For by Cinda Gault - A Review

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