Shadows On The Rock

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The novel follows a year in the lives of Cecile Auclair and her father Euclide, French colonists in Quebec, beginning in 1697. Euclide, a physician and apothecary, reflects on the last ship returning to France while managing the household after his wife's death, with Cecile taking on domestic duties. The story unfolds through character-driven narratives rather than a central plot. As winter approaches, Euclide attends to Reverend Mother Juschereau, while Cecile shows kindness to Jacques, the son of a troubled woman, by seeking shoes for him from Governor Frontenac. The young Bishop Saint-Vallier visits the Auclair shop, and Euclide expresses his disapproval of the bishop's extravagant lifestyle and decisions. In June, fur-trader Pierre Charron shares tales with the Auclairs and accompanies Cecile on a visit to friends. When five ships arrive from France, a celebration ensues, and Cecile receives gifts from her aunts. Although scheduled to return to France, she hesitates, worried about Jacques's well-being. Meanwhile, the Count, realizing he won't be recalled to France, frees Euclide from service, but Euclide opts to stay. The Count, on his deathbed, gifts a bowl of glass fruit to Cecile, and after his passing, the two bishops reconcile their differences.