Promotional Information

The collected stories by one of the greatest short-story writers in the world.

About the Author

Alistair MacLeod was born in 1936 and raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He is Professor Emeritus of English Literature at the University of Windsor, Ontario.

Reviews

"A lifetime's achievement in more than one sense" Sunday Times "Startling in their simple perfection" Sunday Tribune "Provokingly singular and rare, an island of richness" Guardian "Beautifully crafted stories: elegiac, honest, proud, and both eloquent and taciturn, like their subjects...a wonderfully talented writer" Margaret Atwood "Rarely does a great writer offer himself to us with an oeuvre so complete" New York Times Book Review

"A lifetime's achievement in more than one sense" Sunday Times "Startling in their simple perfection" Sunday Tribune "Provokingly singular and rare, an island of richness" Guardian "Beautifully crafted stories: elegiac, honest, proud, and both eloquent and taciturn, like their subjects...a wonderfully talented writer" Margaret Atwood "Rarely does a great writer offer himself to us with an oeuvre so complete" New York Times Book Review

One of Canada's most important writers, MacLeod grew up in Cape Breton. Here he presents a powerful collection of short stories set on Canada's Eastern shore, where the traditions and Gaelic language of transplanted Scots continue in a harsh new world. All of these affecting, elegiac tales focus on the strong ties of loving kin, particularly the link between fathers and sons. Fathers share the experience of work with their sons, and boys puzzle over family events and tragedies and learn to be men in the close-knit communities. Sadly, as times change, fathers lose their sons, who become educated men and leave the land and sea for professions in the city. MacLeod's characters are deeply touching and memorable, and their simple lives are rich with loyalty and affection for their families and way of life. The sumptuous language, which immerses the reader in this stunning but unrelenting land, begs to be read aloud. A very special collection; recommended for all public libraries.DCathleen A. Towey, Port Washington P.L., NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.