Over the Border: Acadia, the Home of "Evangeline"

"Over the Border: Acadia, the Home of 'Evangeline'" by Eliza B. Chase is a journey through a land steeped in sorrow and beauty, where the story of a tragic heroine intertwines with the real-life exile of a people. The book opens with a sense of reflection, painting a vivid picture of Acadia's atmosphere and the weight of the Acadian diaspora, forever immortalized by Longfellow's poem. Starting with a description of an old portrait, the author begins to discuss the deportation of the Acadians, casting Lieutenant-Colonel John Winslow as a strangely compassionate figure. The narrative is interspersed with descriptions of Acadia’s natural beauty and the journey of the Octave keen to experience the depth Acadia offers. The author blends historical facts, personal thoughts, and local stories to bring the region's past to life, setting the stage for readers to understand the poignant stories of Acadia’s past.