The Yarns We Had is a compilation of 41 stories, dealing with outport Newfoundland in the early to mid-twentieth century; a period when life was very difficult - people worked like slaves, had practically no money; but, despite this, maintained a rare sense of humor that, to this day, makes Newfoundland one of the most hospitable places in the world. Newfoundlanders certainly gave the lie to the idea that you could only be happy if you had a lot of money!