Random Passage

2002 • Drama, History

This award winning miniseries traces the difficult passage of young Mary Keane (Aoife McMahon) from servitude in Ireland to the squalor of rough-and-tumble Newfoundland in the early 1800s. Escaping attempted rape and abuse, Mary moves on with her infant daughter to find shelter at a remote fishing station run by Thomas Hutchings (Colm Meaney). In a time and place where life and death are a hair's breadth apart, Mary joins the community's struggle for survival against sickness and starvation. All of the Cape's people are fugitives of one kind or another, but by pulling together through hardships and tragedies, they forge a new life of hope - and even love.

Runtime: 6h

Dive into the rich, descriptive narrative of Bernice Morgan's 'Random Passage', where the printed page vividly brings to life the endurance and spirit of early settlers in Newfoundland. The novel offers a depth of character development and historical detail that the film can only hint at. By reading 'Random Passage', you can immerse yourself thoroughly in the intricate layers of storytelling that explore themes of survival, community, and the human condition. Morgan's detailed portrayal of the environment and characters evokes a sense of empathy and understanding that resonates deeply with readers. Engaging with the book allows you to contemplate the nuanced emotions and experiences of the characters at your own pace. With every turn of the page, the gripping narrative invites you to experience life as it was on those remote, windswept shores, offering a more personal and introspective journey than the film adaptation.