Recommended Reads Before Your Stay

Reading is more than just a pastime—it's a way to connect with Fogo Island’s landscape, culture, and community. Our library is filled with books reflective of the island's history, Newfoundland’s literary tradition, and the broader world.

We’ve curated a list of recommended reads to help guide your literary journey during your stay and to help you get to know this place before you arrive. Whether you’re looking to dive into stories inspired by this corner of the world, explore the works of past guests, or find a quiet moment with a good book, these selections will enrich your time on Fogo Island.

Our Heritage Library is a treasure trove of literature, curated to reflect the history and culture of Newfoundland & Labrador and beyond. We’ve handpicked a selection of reads that invite guests to explore the island’s story and perspectives from around the world. Here are five books that you might enjoy during your stay, perfect for quiet moments by the fire: 

1. Dictionary of Newfoundland English
2. February, by Lisa Moore 
3. Death on the Ice, by Cassie Brown 
4. Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club, by Megan Gail Coles 
5. Riddle Fence Magazine 

Fogo Island has long been a destination for writers and readers, and we are honoured to have hosted literary figures, including past winners of the prestigious Carol Shields Prize for Fiction. Many authors who’ve spent time with us have drawn inspiration from their stay, and their works provide deep insights into life, relationships, and nature. Here are a few standout reads from guests and prize winners that celebrate the richness of storytelling: 

1. Brotherless Night, by V. V. Ganeshananthan (Carol Shields Prize Winner, 2024) 
2. When We Were Sisters, by Fatimah Asghar (Carol Shields Prize Winner, 2023) 
3. Sweetland, by Michael Crummey 
4. The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, by Wayne Johnston 
5. Where I Belong: Small Town to Great Big Sea, by Alan Doyle 

Whether you’re exploring tales from Newfoundland or delving into books that capture the essence of Fogo Island life, these selected titles offer a deeper understanding of the land, sea, and people that shape this place.  

1. Wildflowers of Fogo Island and Change Islands, by Todd Boland 
2. New Northern Houses, by Todd Saunders 
3. Winter in Tilting, by Robert Mellin 
4. Geology of Fogo Island 
5. Old Harbours: A Strange Twilight, by Roy Dwyer 

Books have a way of offering insights, histories, and stories that resonate long after we’ve turned the last page. Whether you lose yourself in a fictional world, learn more about Fogo Island’s vibrant culture, or enjoy the works of visiting writers, we hope this recommended reading list deepens your connection to this place.  

Get in touch with our Guest Itinerary Advisors to book your retreat to Fogo Island Inn. They can advise on the best ways of getting here (and the coziest corners to curl up with a book!)