A Sense Of Place
A Sense of Place is a vivid tapestry of memories that transports readers back to a simpler, more melodic era of Prince Edward Island life. Through a series of intimate essays, Margaret Westlie captures the magic of a young girl’s world—from the rhythmic “chirp of birds” and wallpaper patterns at her grandmother’s house to the communal warmth of ceilidhs, kitchen parties, and the aroma of homemade bread. Whether describing the humble art of learning to milk, the resonance of bagpipes, or the “veil” between this world and the next, these pieces serve as a heartfelt guide to the sights, sounds, and spirits of the Maritimes.
Discover the magic of memory, community, and belonging on Canada’s beloved Prince Edward Island.
What does it mean to belong to a place—not just live there, but feel it in your bones? In A Sense of Place, Margaret Westlie invites you into a world of red clay roads, fiddle-filled parlours, wind-whipped shorelines, and generations of stories passed down like family heirlooms. With warmth, wit, and deeply felt nostalgia, Westlie paints a vivid portrait of Island life, blending personal memoir, cultural reflection, and literary charm.
Each essay is a journey—sometimes tender, sometimes humorous—through everyday moments that shimmer with meaning: milking cows at dusk, sleeping under starlit skies, or the timeless ritual of gathering with neighbours over tea and music. Whether writing about bagpipes, barn cats, or second sight, Westlie’s voice is intimate, inviting, and deeply rooted in place.
For readers who cherish the lyrical beauty of rural life, the echoes of tradition, and the pull of home—this book is a love letter to a vanishing world, and a heartfelt reminder that where we come from matters.
Step into Prince Edward Island’s heart and history—and maybe, rediscover your own sense of place.
FOR FANS OF…
Heartwarming, nostalgic memoirs such as All Creatures Great and Small or the rural island reflections of L.M. Montgomery’s non-fiction.
IN MARGARET’S WORDS – THE BACKSTORY
“I often think of essays as ‘poetry in disguise.’ They are short, concise pieces that allow me to expand on a theme until there is no doubt in the reader’s mind about the direction we are traveling. For me, that direction often leads back to the homestead. I remember waking up at my grandmother’s house, luxuriating in the experience of waking and wondering what adventures lay ahead. My writing is an attempt to capture those moments of music, laughter, and island living. It’s a fun journey through my life’s observations—from the ‘dry bones’ of genealogy to the creative seat of my pants—and I hope it helps you find your own sense of place.”
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“Reading the opening essay, ‘A Sense of Place,’ felt like being transported directly back to the crowded, salt-aired halls of the Island. Westlie captures the heart of what makes PEI unique—the deep connection between the land and the community. Her descriptions are so evocative that I could almost hear the fiddle music and the rhythmic stomp of feet from the many ceilidhs and kitchen parties I’ve been lucky enough to attend over the years. It’s a beautiful tribute to the Island’s enduring spirit.”
BOOK DETAILS:
- Series: Essays & Poetry
- Genre: Canadian Essays / Memoir
- Themes: PEI Childhood, Maritime Culture, Nostalgia, Creative Writing Life
- ISBN-13: 978-1-926494-35-7
- Publisher: Selkirk Stories Book Publishing