Marshall Saunders
Rose à Charlitte
"Rose à Charlitte" by Marshall Saunders is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Vesper L. Nimmo, a young man grappling with his family's troubled legacy, particularly the specter of his ancestor's wrongdoings against the Acadiens. As he journeys to Nova Scotia with the aim of understanding his family's past and potentially seeking restitution for an ancestor's curse, he encounters the titular character, Rose à Charlitte, a young and resilient woman managing an inn in the Acadien community. At the start of the story, Vesper is introduced as a contemplative figure, reflecting on his family's history and the burdens of their past. Alone in a comfortable room, he ponders the implications of generational legacy while preparing for a journey to Nova Scotia. After deciding on this trip, readers are drawn into his interactions with his mother and the colored boy, Henry, who provide insights into Vesper's character. Additionally, the narrative hints at the tumultuous relationship between the English and the Acadiens, setting the stage for Vesper's quest for redemption amidst themes of heritage, identity, and social responsibility.