by Deborah Rogers –
Des Kennedy’s gentle tale of communal living on a small Gulf Island was just what our group needed for some light summer reading. Commune tells the story of a young and idealistic couple who decide to give up their lives and academic pursuits in Vancouver and join the back-to-the-land movement in the early 1970s. They choose the fictional “Conception Island” for their home after a brief visit, securing some land from an old-timer who likes their values and enthusiasm. As well as the original farmhouse and falling-down barn, their purchase includes woodland, a fishing pond and a ragtag assortment of dogs.
The book is fiction, but Kennedy famously lives on Denman Island, where he moved in the early 70s, and our readers suspected this was closer to a work of auto fiction, woven throughout with Kennedy’s own escapades and insights into Gulf Island life. Our group found it a well written and regularly funny read. The cast includes some delightful characters; an especial favourite was Willie, the farm’s original owner. At the heart of the book is the relationship between Shorter and Jess. The couple build their life together surrounded by others, yet have a deep bond that’s tenderly explored.
Communal living creates an interesting dynamic, and Kennedy adds plenty of incidents and potential breaking points to test the experimental lifestyle. Many come through the challenges anyone would expect trying to live from the land: crops, weather, animals and lack of experience, all provide trials. The obstacle of living as a group, and the constant negotiation involved, is another source of friction and growth.
The biggest source of drama though seems to come from the resentment towards the young people from the Island’s residents. From their arrival in a tatty VW bus, the back-to-the-landers arouse suspicion. When they fight to save the Island from logging, or lobby for childcare, they are dismissed. There’s an “us and them” narrative that accompanies the whole story, though our group noted that the Shorter who is narrating has very much moved into the old-timer role as he tells his tale to newcomer Rosalie.
There is some interesting history tucked into the human drama, including the establishment of the Islands Trust and the roots of the eco-activism that spread through the West Coast. Commune was a relatable read for many in our club, who enjoyed the local setting and a time period and experiences that resonated with their own.
For our September meeting we will be discussing Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. There’s no Book Club set of this book, however there are many copies in the library system. Join us on September 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sidney/North Saanich Library. Find more information about the Seaside Book Club: www.seasidemagazine.ca/book-club/.
