This is one of the few books on the Giller Prize longlist that I hadn't heard of. It's also one of the only two short story collections on the list. The other being Willem De Kooning's Paintbrush by Kerry Lee Powell. Admittedly, short story collections aren't my usual fare, but this is a strong collection … Continue reading Giller Longlist: The Two of Us by Kathy Page
Tag: canadian literature
The Hidden Keys by André Alexis
In the last two books I've read by André Alexis, there have been sheep and there have been dogs. The Hidden Keys has very few animals, but is still filled with interesting characters; a thief, an addict, a drug-dealer, a thug, an artist who stuffs deceased pets for a living, and a few billionaires. What … Continue reading The Hidden Keys by André Alexis
Unless by Carol Shields
I haven't read one of Carol Shields' novels in such a long time that it was an obvious choice for the letter 'S' in my A-Z CanLit Project. But, which one? There are so many good ones to pick from. In the end, I went with Unless because of the premise: Reta Winters, 44-year-old successful author … Continue reading Unless by Carol Shields
Shadow Giller: The Party Wall by Catherine Leroux, translated by Lazer Lederhendler
The first thing I noticed about The Party Wall, even before reading the first page, was the story/character sequence; ABACADABACADA. Intriguing, right? Then, after about four stories into it, I had no idea where any of it was going (a good thing). Even more enticing are the little clues giving us hints as to when … Continue reading Shadow Giller: The Party Wall by Catherine Leroux, translated by Lazer Lederhendler
‘Flannery’ by Lisa Moore and ‘Trapped In Ice’ by Eric Walters
Flannery by Lisa Moore I have to admit that when I saw that Lisa Moore's new book was written for young readers, I was disappointed. But, there was no need. I was sucked into this book from page one; Lisa Moore has a way with words and characters that still surprises me. Young and old readers … Continue reading ‘Flannery’ by Lisa Moore and ‘Trapped In Ice’ by Eric Walters
The 2016 Scotiabank Giller Prize Longlist
This is the 23rd anniversary of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, a prize that was founded in 1994 by Jack Rabinovitch in honour of his wife, the late literary journalist Doris Giller. The prize awards $100,000 annually to the author of the best Canadian novel or short story collection published in English, and $10,000 to each … Continue reading The 2016 Scotiabank Giller Prize Longlist
‘The Fortunate Brother’ by Donna Morrissey and ‘The Couple Next Door’ by Shari Lapena
The Fortunate Brother by Donna Morrissey Donna Morrissey is a well-known and accomplished author from Newfoundland (who now lives in Nova Scotia), and I'm embarrassed to admit that this was my first time reading one of her books. However, I am happy to say that I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience, and … Continue reading ‘The Fortunate Brother’ by Donna Morrissey and ‘The Couple Next Door’ by Shari Lapena
This Marlowe by Michelle Butler Hallett
I was lucky enough to win this book through a giveaway at 49th Shelf. Thanks to 49th Shelf for hosting the giveaway and to Goose Lane Editions for sending me the book! ************************** I couldn't be more impressed with the amount of knowledge and historical detail that went into the writing of this book. "Sweet Christ … Continue reading This Marlowe by Michelle Butler Hallett
Summer Reading: ‘The Naturalist’ and ‘The Mystics of Mile End’
The Naturalist by Alissa York Any woman might marvel at a feather, but it takes a special turn of mind to appreciate a scale. [Walter Ash] I was so excited about The Naturalist when I saw it was coming out. I mean, it has a turtle on the cover! Two years ago, her last … Continue reading Summer Reading: ‘The Naturalist’ and ‘The Mystics of Mile End’
Three Years With the Rat by Jay Hosking
I'll admit that I thought the title of this book was strange. But when I read the author's background, I was intrigued and hoped he had used a part of his neuroscience-y mind to write this book. He did, but not so much that the average reader can't follow what's going on. Just enough that … Continue reading Three Years With the Rat by Jay Hosking
Consumed by Ink 