Set during the dramatic Red River Resistance of 1869-1870 and the birth of Manitoba, the novel is told through the perspective of a young Irish-Canadian journalist, Conor O’Dea. Under mysterious circumstances, after working for the assassinated politician D’Arcy McGee, O’Dea is sent West, and to Sir John A. Macdonald’s horror befriends Louis Riel. Macdonald never understood Louis Riel and never really tried to.
The story also includes the little known Fenian attack in Manitoba. If Louis Riel had supported his fellow Catholics, it could have been what the Lieutenant Governor called “a rough time of it.” But he didn’t. He supported Canada.
Equal parts spy thriller and love triangle, this poignant novel contributes to the complicated story of Canada. In a time of reconciliation, Henderson and Bouchard are continuing a very important conversation about this great land for all of those who call it home.
“Artfully weaves historical fact and creative fiction into a highly entertaining narrative.”
– George and Terry Goulet, Métis Elders and Historians
“Brimming with political intrigue and insights.”
– Lloyd Robertson, on ‘Man in the Shadows’
“A Canadian murder mystery for the ages.”
– Robert Rotenberg, on ‘Man in the Shadows’
“A cracking yarn that grabs you by the lapels and never lets go.”
– Terry Fallis, on ‘Man in the Shadows’
This book was made with the generous support of the Manitoba Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.
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A historical novel told by a variety of narrators with humour and humanity.
