In Finding Hearthstone: A Taste of Wilderness, author Cathy Sosnowsky presents a poignant memoir that intertwines the raw beauty of British Columbia’s coastal wilderness with the profound depths of personal loss and healing. The narrative begins with Sosnowsky, her husband Woldy, and their young son Alex joining the Hemming Bay Community—a cooperative dedicated to preserving a vast expanse of remote forested land. Initially, the allure of owning a piece of this rugged paradise is tempered by the challenges it presents: frigid waters unsuitable for swimming and jagged, unwelcoming shorelines. https://www.cathysosnowsky.com/
As the family expands through the adoption of two children, their bond with the land deepens, culminating in the construction of a communal lodge. However, their journey takes a tragic turn with the untimely death of Alex and the subsequent struggles of their adopted children with addiction. These heart-wrenching events strain the couple’s relationship, leading them on separate paths of mourning. Woldy channels his grief into building Hearthstone Lodge alongside his brother Vic, while Sosnowsky seeks solace through her writing. Ironically, it is this very act of writing that reconnects her to Hearthstone Lodge, drawing her back to the supportive embrace of the community and the wilderness that holds memories of her children.
Through vivid anecdotes of life in nature and rich portrayals of the inhabitants—both human and animal—of Hemming Bay, Sosnowsky illustrates how a new kind of family emerges from shared experiences. The memoir delves into the lingering presence of those who have passed, exploring how their spirits continue to influence the living. A pivotal moment occurs when their son Michael returns, yearning for the simple pleasure of Hemming Bay’s fish and chips. This event sparks a familial reconnection, reviving traditions of communal meals that hark back to cherished summer days in the wild.
Finding Hearthstone is more than a tale of personal tragedy; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the therapeutic power of nature. Sosnowsky’s eloquent prose captures the essence of wilderness living, the complexities of familial relationships, and the arduous journey through grief toward healing. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the natural world offers a sanctuary—a place where one can find strength, solace, and ultimately, a path to renewal. You can purchase this heartfelt look into the author’s soul at https://caitlinpress.com/Books/F/Finding-Heartstone or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
Cathy Sosnowsky, a former college poetry instructor, turned to writing for solace after the heartbreaking loss of her three children—one to tragedy and two to addiction. Her works, including Holding On: Poems for Alex and Snapshots: A Story of Love, Loss and Life, explore grief, love, and resilience. Her writing has appeared in the Vancouver Sun, Globe & Mail, Georgia Straight, and Pacific Yachting. A global speaker on grief and writing, she leads workshops and serves as the North Shore Compassionate Friends chapter leader. Her latest book, Finding Hearthstone, celebrates healing through writing, home cooking, and nature. Cathy lives in North Vancouver. https://www.cathysosnowsky.com/
Cathy enjoyed a comforting bowl of Minestrone Soup in Rome and came close to duplicating its depth and flavour in our Recipe section. She would serve this soup to those working on projects in the cooperative to refresh and replenish their body and spirit.
This memoir is a compelling read for anyone seeking insight into the interplay between human emotion and the environment, and how embracing the wild can lead to profound personal transformation.
Content and images used with permission by Caitlin Press. https://caitlinpress.com/Books/F/Finding-Heartstone
