
by - Norman Duncan
To E. H. D.
BY PROXY
THE RIVER
A GARDEN OF LIES
THE CELEBRITY IN LOVE
AT MIDNIGHT
A MEETING BY CHANCE
RENUNCIATION
IN THE CURRENT
A grieving mother faces the bewildering terror of a young child who cannot fathom his father's death. In the wake of a modest funeral, she spins vivid, comforting fantasies—talking of sunlight, sky‑high ascents, and a world where death is not a cold ending but a gentle, painless release. Her quick wit and tender devotion turn the harsh reality of burial into a soft, reassuring story, shielding her son from the darkness he perceives.
As the days unfold, the mother’s resourcefulness becomes a quiet heroism, her gentle lies a lifeline that steadies a trembling heart. Through whispered assurances and warm embraces, she crafts a sanctuary where fear cannot take hold, showing how love can rewrite the narrative of loss. The early act sets a poignant tone for a tale of resilience, where a mother's fierce protectiveness lights the path through sorrow.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (135K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
2008-12-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1871–1916
A Canadian writer, journalist, and teacher, he turned firsthand travel into vivid stories of Newfoundland and Labrador, the sea, and life on the edges of the map. His books mix adventure, observation, and a strong feeling for place.
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