Shadows on the Rock is a 1931 novel by Willa Cather. Set in 17th century Quebec, the novel follows the story of a young girl, Cecile Auclair, and her father, Jacques Auclair, a French apothecary. The novel begins with Cecile and her father arriving in Quebec, a small French settlement in the New World. They are welcomed by the local priest, Father Felician, who takes them in and helps them to settle in the town. Cecile and her father quickly become part of the small community, and Cecile begins to explore the town and its surroundings. She meets a variety of people, including a young Iroquois girl, a French soldier, and a mysterious old woman. As the novel progresses, Cecile and her father face a variety of challenges, including a smallpox epidemic, a harsh winter, and a dangerous journey to Montreal. Through it all, Cecile and her father remain strong and resilient, and their faith in God helps them to overcome their struggles. In the end, Cecile and her father are able to find a place for themselves in the small community, and Cecile learns valuable lessons about life, faith, and courage.
By Willa Cather · First published 1931 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Regional Fiction, Realistic Fiction · 32 chapters