In a time where global crises often cast daunting shadows, Charlotte County's own Zoe Fitch offers a beacon of hope through her novella "42nd Wave." Set in a near-future St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Fitch’s book envisions a community-driven world that addresses pressing issues like climate change and economic disparity, providing a fresh perspective on living sustainably and collaboratively.

Vicki Hogarth – Local Journalism Initiative

Fitch draws heavily from her local surroundings and experiences. "The idea was to explore this future world that could be designed with systems for a smaller community," she explains. "I felt like Charlotte County was the perfect place to set that because a lot of us spend so much time in our pantries and barns and kitchens and workshops already leaning toward this way of life."

Her novella, set in 2031, imagines a world where the burning of fossil fuels is banned, leading to the collapse of large political and economic systems. This collapse, however, is portrayed not as a dystopian nightmare, but as an opportunity for communities to thrive in new ways. "I find a lot of people have made this comment that the book should be dystopian, but it actually feels quite cosy. It feels like a really hopeful future," Fitch remarks. She emphasizes that the only ones who might find it dystopian are the billionaires clinging to outdated systems.

Fitch’s narrative resonates with the real-life dynamics of Charlotte County, where local businesses and community ties play a pivotal role. Characters in her novel are inspired by actual residents and businesses, bringing an authentic touch to her storytelling. "Incorporating local businesses, again, it's like these places are already symbols for life done right in so many ways," she says. Fitch's niece, Sophie, even served as inspiration for the protagonist, adding a personal dimension to the narrative.

The themes of community resilience and environmental stewardship are not just fictional musings for Fitch. During the pandemic, she actively participated in community-driven initiatives like the Fundy Market, which connected local producers with residents amid global supply chain disruptions. "What if we could coordinate local makers in a way that we could take orders from people for what they needed from that week, and then we deliver locally made goods to them," she recounts. This real-world experience directly informed the market economy depicted in her book.

Fitch's work challenges readers to rethink their relationship with their environment and each other. "Life lived with a smaller footprint automatically solves so many of these problems while bringing in additional benefits as well," she notes. Her book is not just a story, but a call to action for communities to band together and explore sustainable living practices.