A tale of love, deception, and betrayal unfolds against the backdrop of the 1837 rebellion in Upper Canada.
In rural Scotland in the 1830s, fifteen-year-old Callandra is devastated by her father’s unexpected death. To save her family from destitution, she reluctantly agrees to marry Norbert Scott, a clergyman from a wealthy Glasgow family. But when her new husband and family turn out to be cruel and disdainful toward her, Callandra’s only solace in their cold, cavernous mansion is her close friendship with a household servant, Lottie.
Callandra faces more personal upheaval when her husband accepts a posting as a clergyman in the remote town of Goderich in Upper Canada. Thankfully, Lottie will accompany them to their new home, but so will her brother Sam, a carpenter whom Callandra mistrusts. After a perilous journey, they are greeted warmly by the townsfolk of Goderich, who are particularly delighted when their new pastor stands up for them in defiance of the hated colonial authorities.
But an unintentional lie spins into a web of deceit. As the sparks of rebellion flare, there are growing suspicions about the town’s charismatic new clergyman that threaten to destroy the fragile happiness Callandra has unexpectedly found.
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Readers familiar with McQuaig’s non-fiction will recognize her clear prose, stiletto wit, and passion for social justice. But in the realm of fiction, her palette is darker and her subject deeply sensual. McQuaig evokes pinpoints of civilization amid the looming forests of 19th century Upper Canada with the authority of an eyewitness. The Road to Goderich is a compelling tale, operatic in scope, of romance, political struggle, deception, and desire. – David Macfarlane, author of The Danger Tree
Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 from 2 reviews.
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Reviews
An exceptional good read!
"Loved this book! Linda gave me an insight into Goderich and Canadian/Scottish history in a most unique romantic way."
— Bonnie (5/5)
Fascinating
"I bought this book because I love historical fiction, and not to mention a bonus that it is a Canadian read. I wasn’t sure if I would like it, as it started off a bit slow but got more interesting each chapter. This book is great to learn about Southern Ontario from a very different time however, I was disappointed with the outcome of a few of the main characters and that it felt as though it needed to be wrapped up in a hurry by the author. Will read again!"
— Melanie (4/5)
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Published date: Jun 17, 2025
Language: English
No. of Pages: 368
Publisher: Dundurn Press
ISBN: 9781459754898
Dimensions:
5.5" W x
1.0" L x
8.5" H
Linda McQuaig is an award-winning investigative journalist, a Toronto Star columnist, and the author of eight non-fiction national bestsellers. The Road to Goderich is her first foray into fiction. She lives in Toronto.
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