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BC Adult Bestseller List 1 The Blue Flames that Keep Us Warm For those who’ve been everywhere, there are even more exotic places - Enchanted Isle — The Southern Gulf Islands, by David A.E. Spalding; photography by Kevin Oke (Harbour Publishing, $34.95). How many of us have seen the Southern Gulf Islands from the deck of a B.C. ferry? Good. Now, how many have actually gotten off to explore? If you answered the first question in the affirmative, let this splendid coffee-table book whet your appetite. Part history, party commentary and travel guide, the book covers the entire island chain from Gabriola in the northwest to James, Sydney and D’Arcy to the southeast. In between are the more familiar Galiano, Mayne, the Penders, Saturna and Saltspring, where eccentrics, artists and artisans have found a refuge from the chaotic world on the mainland. David Spalding’s sometimes whimsical style melds beautifully with Kevin Oke’s artistic quality of his photographs to capture the essence of these tiny, remnants of Eden on the Pacific. His portrait of an arbutus tree painted in gold by the setting sun, brings back memories of a laid-back, carefree lifestyle — a fitting symbol for the Southern Gulf Islands. An enchanting book on the isles I’m convinced. The southern Gulf islands are beautiful, enchanted places.At least the book Enchanted Isles: The Southern Gulf Islands would definitely push a reader to believe that — if they didn’t already.The book, written by Pender Island resident David A.E. Spalding is a thorough volume. Beautifully shot by Kevin Oke (from North Pender Island), this is stunning tribute to the southern Gulf islands. Spalding mixes the historical facts about the islands with stories and anecdotes, letting the anecdotes lead the way. The result is a pleasant read. This is an informational book, but it’s also a story book. It definitely escapes textbook dryness. It also incudes media reports from current events affecting the islands, like a fire on Galiano Island in 2006. Stories about Brother Xll, Madame Zee and Portuguese Joe fill pages alongside black and white historical photos. Partially written in a narrative first person, the book is engaging. Spalding has a causal writing style, as though he is relating his favourite memories and places. He’s comfortable with his subject matter. But the best part, and the star, of this book are the photographs. Kevin Oke’s photos are breathtaking. It’s almost hard to believe the areas are in British Columbia, and not some tropical paradise or hidden forest. It’s wonderful the entire book is in colour, aside from the historical photos. The aerial views are particularly fascinating, as it’s rare we get to see things from the air. Overall, it’s amazing to see what Oke can do with lighting, water and reflection. Enchanted Isles: The Southern Gulf Islands by David A.E. Spalding, photography by Kevin Oke (Harbour Publishing) 144 pages Spalding and Oke chronicle and celebrate a special part of the world — the magical islands nestled between the southern most part of mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island. And they do it in a way that hasn’t been done before. The southern Gulf Islands are up there as one of the most popular destinations in the region. These two long time Gulf Islanders are the perfect duo to present this area, from the most populated island, Saltspring, with 12,000 residents, to tiny unpopulated D’Arcy almost straddling the American/Canadian border. Spalding’s unusual textual treatment is as layered and unexpected as the islands themselves. Coffee table books like this are usually read; this one you experience. Somehow the flavour has gone into the mix along with the ingredients; how did they do that? The people, the places and the history all visually unfold on the page. A stunning gift book or to grace your own coffeetable. — Cherie Thiessen
David Spalding’s informed and informative text is superbly embellished with the full color photography of Kevin Oke in “Enchanted Isles: The South Gulf Islands”. Offering a true insider’s perspective of the lovely southern British Columbia gulf islands found just off the coast between Victoria and Nanaimo, “Enchanted Isles” showcases their local wildlife, the incredible scenic beauty, and engaging history. Ideal for the armchair traveler and very highly recommended reading for the on-site tourist, “Enchanted Isles” truly and fully lives up to its title! Bounty for armchair travellers Linda Bates Last but not least is the beauty in our own backyard, as presented in Enchanted Isles, The Southern Gulf Islands, by David A.E. Spalding and Kevin Oke (Harbour Publishing, $34.95. Although Oke’s photos are lovely, this isn’t just a picture book. There’s plenty of history provided by Spalding, who has published 13 previous books, many on western Canada. A quick look at the section on Saltspring Island provides not only information on its multicultural settlers, including blacks from the U.S., but also this — did you know that Saltspring has an Eco-Home tour and a sustainable building forum? And that Paul and Becky Niedziels insulated the roof of their rammed earth house with a load of recycled blue jeans? The book covers islands from Gabriola at the North to D’Arcy at the south. |
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