Sanctuary Line

Sanctuary Line by Jane Urquhart, published by MacLehose in 2013, is a literary work that intricately weaves together narratives from the nineteenth century in Ireland and Ontario with contemporary themes. The story follows entomologist Liz Crane, who returns to her family’s deserted farmhouse by Lake Erie to study the migratory patterns of the monarch butterfly. As she grapples with the recent death of her cousin Amanda Butler and the long-ago disappearance of her uncle, Liz delves into the complex history of the Butler family, which includes lighthouse-keepers and agriculturalists.

Readers will find a rich exploration of family life and relationships, as well as the connections between nature and human experiences. The narrative also touches on the lives of seasonal workers from Mexico who come to harvest fruit on the farm, particularly focusing on Teo, a young boy navigating his own solitude. This edition, comprising 256 pages, offers insights into themes of loss, identity, and the interplay between past and present, all set against the backdrop of Ontario’s landscape and the delicate beauty of butterflies.