Life in the Clearings Versus the Bush

In this engaging narrative, middle-class Englishwoman Moodie recounts her life in the clearings of Belleville, where she and her husband settled in 1840, contrasting it with the challenges of the bush. Through her unique perspective, we experience the rich urban culture filled with religion, art, and education—elements she felt were sorely missing in the rural wilderness. Moodie’s reflections on the Family Compact reveal her growing empathy for moderate reformers like Robert Baldwin, while she critiques the more radical views of figures such as William Lyon Mackenzie. This complex viewpoint sometimes puts her at odds with her husband, the sheriff of Belleville, who must navigate the intricate politics of working with Family Compact members and their allies. Join Cori Samuel and Esther as they breathe life into this compelling story, featuring special contributions from Jim Mowatt in section 9 and Glen Hallstrom in section 12.