An evocative novel about identity, loss, and the enduring bonds of family Known for his acclaimed biographies and award-winning books on the history of the oil industry, Gary May' s literary talents shine in Unburdening, his first venture into fiction. In 1975, James O' Malley, a journalist-turned-college professor, returns to his family' s Ontario apple farm to grapple with his mother' s suicide. As he delves into his family' s history, he realizes how little he truly understands about those he loves. Through James' s journey, readers uncover the complexities of identity and the enduring bonds of family, transcending blood ties and connecting to the eternal lure of the land. Set against a backdrop of historical events, Unburdening follows the O' Malley family from their origins in Ireland, fleeing to Canada in the mid-nineteenth century. Their story mirrors Canada' s development, from pioneering days to wartime struggles, economic turmoil, and national crises.