Island idiosyncrasies
A photo book that showcases P.E.I. idiosyncrasies
Many Islanders are used to the quirks that make much of P.E.I. different from the other Canadian provinces; the obsession with harness racing, lobster being an important part of family heritage, and every woman you know either having the middle name of Lynn, Ann (e) or Marie.
Islanders are also great storytellers, and this whimsical short photo book of 103 one-liners and sayings, by Ivy Knight, an Islander, with the help of photographer Kerry Knight, captures the heart of this colourful culture on P.E.I.
How do you know if you’re an Islander? Ask yourself this: “You know you’re an Islander when…”
You still give directions based on the purple house on St. Peter’s Road, even though it’s been torn down for years. Everyone you know is either a Gallant, a Gaudet, an Arsenault or a MacDonald. And if they aren’t they’re related to one. You get excited when you hear P.E.I. mentioned on any news outlet other than Compass. Harness racing is where it’s at. You cried when Stompin’ Tom died.
Cramming heritage, potatoes, how to identify with an Islander, and much more into a novelty book for Islanders to chuckle at, wince, and nod in agreement. As someone who is not born on P.E.I., I found this an interesting insight into the way of life here, although some lines I did not understand such as, “You’ve worked tobacco for stamps.” What does that mean? Perhaps only people from P.E.I. will understand.
I did notice one glaring omission from the book, and that is the P.E.I. obsession with 50-50 draws.
Author Ivy Knight from Glenwilliam, has been published in the Globe & Mail, the Toronto Star, and in HarperCollins. “You know you’re an Islander when…” is published by Acorn Press located in Charlottetown.