Giving a Voice to a Forgotten Woman
In telling the heart-breaking story of one woman, Jemima’s Legacy explores the myth of “Toronto the Good” while bringing to life the early years of the settlement with all its politics, gossip, snobbishness and hypocrisy.
The Book
Jemima’s Legacy
The tiny frontier town of Muddy York. 1834. Jemima Howard, a recent emigrant from England, defies convention as she works alongside her husband, John, the first architect in the settlement.
Although she must have expected to live the life of an ordinary wife and mother, Jemima finds herself drawn into another world. Trained by her surveyor father, she finishes specifications for projects, lays the lines for surveys, helps to prepare presentations, manages an office and helps to build a successful architectural practice. Unlike the more conventional couples in town, Jemima and John go riding, fishing and hunting together and tramp through the wilderness with their sketchbooks, recording what they see.
It seems to be an ideal partnership.
There is, however, another side to this story; one of secrets, heartbreak, scandal and betrayal. Her own hopes and dreams are crushed, and when Jemima discovers her husband’s secret life, she must find a a way to turn her own tragedy into a grand project.
Jemima’s Legacy explodes the myth of “Toronto the Good”, bringing to life the early years of the settlement, with all its politics, gossip, snobbishness and hypocrisy. It traces the growth of the city of Toronto and looks at well known historical events, such as the Rebellion of 1837, from a different perspective; combining historical figures and imaginary characters in a vivid portrait of everyday life. The novel is the story not just of the Howards, but also of how they came to give a lasting gift to the city, their home and the country land they called High Park.
Gail Murray, Ottawa Review of Books
“Fluid prose, attention to detail, fascinating characters, most of whom are real historical characters add to the relevance and authenticity. Fictional Jennie Grey, the innkeeper’s daughter, and Jemima’ first friend, gives our heroine a tour of downtown York (Toronto) along with the reader. This is especially appealing if you live in Toronto or have visited and recognize street names and buildings e.g. Upper Canada College. We glean insight to the lives of women at this time in the early history of Canada. We are privy to Jemima’s perseverance, quiet strength and her great love for her ambitious husband. Working alongside her husband, she is ahead of her time.”
Miriam Steinberg, New York.
“I was immediately drawn into the story of Jemima Howard. Her descriptive writing made it easy to picture the struggles of coming to the new land and its many ups and downs. Her characters came alive and I found myself caring about them and wanting to know more. At times I just couldn’t put the book down. I also learned much about the history of Toronto and how it grew. I especially appreciated the epilogue, in which Maxanne Ezer added historical information about some of the major characters.”
Ruth Wagner, Bracebridge, Ontario
“Your wonderful book leaves the reader having learned so much history, along with tears and laughter, in such an intriguing manner.”