"Fall on Your Knees" is a novel by Canadian author Ann-Marie MacDonald. Published in 1996, it tells the story of the complex Piper family living in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, spanning several generations from the early 20th century to the mid-20th century. The novel explores themes such as family secrets, religion, love, betrayal, and the impact of the past on present generations. The story revolves around the Piper family members, particularly the sisters Kathleen, Frances, Mercedes, and Lily, and their relationships with each other and with their father, James. As the narrative unfolds, dark family secrets emerge, including incest, abuse, and the consequences of societal expectations and religious fervor. "Fall on Your Knees" received critical acclaim for its richly detailed storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of taboo subjects. It won several awards, including the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book (Canada and the Caribbean region) and the Canadian Authors Association Award for Fiction. The novel's portrayal of family dynamics, the complexities of human relationships, and its vivid depiction of Cape Breton's landscape and culture have made it a significant work in Canadian literature.
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