Robyn Gallagher inherits a car from the mother-in-law she believes disapproved of her. In it, she sets out from the town where she buried Muriel, on the banks of the Bay of Fundy, to go on a cross-country road trip back to her home in Calgary. Although there are hazards along the way, Robyn discovers that her journey crosses more than just physical terrain. The long stretches of solitude enable her to finally speak her mind to Muriel, to settle old scores, and to seize the opportunity to reflect on where she stands — both within herself and within the world.

At times furious, funny, and deeply compassionate, From This Distance is the life-affirming story of one woman's liberation from limited expectations.

Karen McLaughlin lives on a small island in British Columbia and enjoys fast cars, gardening, and walking with her cat. She has won the Steeple Artworks Artist's Society scholarship and the EM/Media Scholarship, among other honours. She has a BFA from Alberta College of Art and Design and has studied at the University of Regina and Saint Mary's University in Halifax. From This Distance is her second novel.

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“McLaughlin’s writing is compelling … Robyn and Muriel are authentic, and their journey is an interesting one.”

Quill and Quire