Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather

Name: Shadows on the Rock
Author: Willa Cather

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 · 68,768 words

First lines

It was the first day of June. Before dawn a wild calling and twittering of birds in the bushes on the cliff-side above the apothecary's back door announced clear weather. When the sun came up over the Île d'Orléans, the rock of Kebec stood gleaming above the river like an altar with many candles, or like a holy city in an old legend, shriven, sinless, washed in gold. The quickening of all life and hope which had come to France in May had reached the far North at last. That morning the Auclairs drank their chocolate with all the doors and windows open.

What this Textopian page supports

Shadows on the Rock is listed on Textopian as a novel by Willa Cather, dated 1931 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Willa Cather
Date: 1931 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Regional Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Literary Fiction
Length: 68,768 words
Structure: 32 chapters, 2,085 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The novel is set in 17th century Quebec and follows the lives of a French family living in the New World.
Regional Fiction — The novel is set in a specific region, Quebec, and focuses on the lives of the people living there.
Realistic Fiction — The novel is set in a realistic setting and follows the lives of a family living in the New World.
Literary Fiction — The novel is written in a literary style and explores themes of faith, family, and identity.