What We Wanted is Donna Morrissey’s follow-up novel to Sylvanus Now. While some follow-up novels can only be appreciated if both books have been read, this novel stands solidly on its own regardless of the history of the reader. The story picks up with the grown children of Sylvanus as they begin to make their own way in the world. The story moves from the shores of Newfoundland to the oilfields of Alberta as two of the children leave home. I enjoyed this book. The complexity of life within a family rang true on each page. Nothing is simple or easy but all is eventually understood and appreciated.