Book Description
The magnificent and long-awaited biography of the beloved writer who gave us the Manawaka novels, including The Diviners and The Stone Angel. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

An amazing journey of a woman finally finding herself
At first I thought of Rachel as paranoid and on the edge of sanity; however, by the end of the novel she has found her self and her voice. Her thoughts and feelings towards her mother and sister are so realistic, evenif they seem unsettling at times. It was enlightening to be a part of herjourney towards self-discovery and strength.

Margaret Lawrence does it once again.
Although I find Margaret Lawrence to be an incredible author,all her books tend to be the same.Different people but always the same place, type of character, style. . . this is at least the case with all her booksin the Manawaka Series.Stone Angel was my favorite, A jest of God waspretty good though.

Entertaining!
After reading "The Diviners" by Margaret Laurence, I found "A Jest of God" more entertaining and true-to-life. The female protagonist Rachel was more believable and down to earth. The plot of homosexuality was realistic and daring.

Unforgettable and True
A Jest of God epitomises Margaret Laurence's focus on characters whose stories are usually never told. The protagonist, Rachel, is a spinster school-teacher in small town Manitoba.She is stifled both by her closed community and by internalising their pettiness. Rachel's inner-dialogue sets the claustophobic atmosphere, while also being funny, frustrating and moving.Laurence's portrait of an ordinairy woman coming to terms with herself and with surroundings is flawless and highly readable. ... Read more

Book Description
This first of the five "Manawaka novels" (set in the fictional prairie town of Manawaka), the story of Hagar Shipley -- whose rigid pride costs her everything she loves -- has been taught in high school curricula in Canada for over twenty-five years and has never gone out of print. As the novel opens, the 90-year-old Hagar discovers that her middle-aged son Marvin and his fussy wife Doris intend to place her in a nursing home. Determined not to bend to anyone else’s will, she ponders the circuitous path that has led her to the house she shares with them in Vancouver and plots her escape, ultimately spending a wild, hallucinatory night in a deserted canning factory. The motherless daughter of a stern, wealthy storekeeper, Hagar had been schooled in pride and contempt from early childhood. When, on a stubborn whim, she married a rough farmer 14 years her senior, her father disowned her and she and her family gradually descended into bitter poverty. Hagar waged a fierce domestic war with her hard-drinking husband Bram and closed her heart to her first-born son Marvin, giving all her attention to her youngest son John, who she mistakenly saw as meant for better things. She left Bram to settle in Vancouver with John but eventually followed her grown son home to Manawaka where she meddled tragically in his happiness. Only at the end of her life does she realize how much she is like the sightless stone angel that her father erected above her mother’s grave. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (75)

Dour, very dour
I was required to read this book for a high school assignment and found it to be laborious read. I found Hagar's character to be so bitter, angry, and grouchy that it just put a damper on the whole thing. I adimt she (as well as the other characters) is well fleshed out but that just makes things worse.

There are several things you can pull out of this book but the most obvious one is the classic example of a person who is so proud and stubborn that s/he is unable to accept love or give of it. That's the character of Hagar and like her, this is a novel you'll want to avoid because it's a very dour thing to contend with.

Darkhorse86

Do not go gentle into that good night.
This is essential CanLit 101.
Iconic!
For the longest time I have intended to read Margaret Laurence, and this is where I have started. I now know that I will continue on and read more of her work, especially the other Manawaka books in the series.
I think we are looking at some essential Canadian literature here, and yet, nearly every high school student from St John's to Victoria would rise up and say "What? Are you nuts?" As much as this book is inflicted upon the high-schoolers of Canada, it sure has not gained a welcome reception by that age group! For the Canadian teenager, seeing The Stone Angel on the English syllabus has become the equivalent of.... hmmm what would one say? Having a radio that is locked on the CBC station?
I believe this is because The Stone Angel is a book that is all about the "interior" and to truly love the book the reader must have an appreciation of the life processes involved in becoming an elderly person.From start to finish we are on the inside of this character Hagar Shipley. It is not the realm of the exciting pace and involved plotline. This book is rather a very somber, brooding, introspective look at a proud and uncompromising woman in her nineties. She is a woman who does not (in the slightest) want to succumb to the realities, adjustments, and inconveniences of aging and dying. As she faces the combined trauma of diminished health and loss of meaningful relationships, she has to come to terms with who she really is.
How far will her incessant pride and irritable crankiness get her in this last year of her life? How can she escape from those who try to make it all easier for her? Will she confess her unmitigated (and inevitable) need of others... of those who truly, and undauntingly, care for her well-being? Will she break down or remain haughty?
Laurence is simply brilliant in that she weaves a seamless web between the present and the past, between Hagar's current experience and her memories.
It is not easy, the transition[s] that we who will live on into old age will have to make if we are to succeed at being old. This book pulls no punches with how difficult the process can be, especially for the type "A" personality.
It is no accident that the book begins with the lines from Dylan Thomas:
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
It is a story about a woman who raged. And yet (in my opinion)there is not one real angry tirade in it! It is (I think) a different sort of "raging" that is being dealt with here in the story, as with the poem by Thomas. It is not the kind of raging that is with gritted teeth and defiance, [denial] it is the kind of raging that is mingled with profound sadness and regret... yes, anger too I suppose, but anger only because one has to leave behind so much of what one loves.
Here is the realistic journey of a woman who has to come to terms with the fact that "what's going to happen can't be delayed indefinitely."
I think the book is somewhat of a masterpiece. Voraciously, I read it.

A book that is sorely lacking...
I read this book in one of my classes in Teacher's College and I really disliked it.There are few books that I dislike, but this one ranks highly on that short list.It was one of the few books where I felt absolutely no emotional connection to any of the characters.I did not care what happened to the characters in the book.The author fails to hook the reader.Frankly, I would never choose this novel for high school students to read because they need books that make them want to continue reading. I also feel that most high school students would find it difficult to relate to the characters.I found that the plot was slow and ... well... the book was just boring.Some of the prose in the novel, however, was very poetic so the novel might be useful for studying "found poetry" but I really do not think that it would be the best choice for high school students to read for a novel study.If you are looking for a novel full of excitement and emotion, this is not the book for you.

Excellent Book!
The first time I read The Stone Angel was in high school as part of the reading curriculum.Despite my English teacher's best efforts to ruin the book for us, I managed to enjoy it.I was surprised that a book with adult content (mild) had survived the censor's cut, but I was pleased it did.

A year ago I decided to reread the book and found it was even better than I my memory served me.Now that I have some life experience under my belt, I discovered the book to be far more moving and poignant.Margaret Lawrence brings out a true to life character in Hagar, the book's protagonist. Hagar could be your mother, your aunt,or your grandmother.

This is a beautiful, touching, compelling,and powerful book. Hagar's struggle with her own painful life memories as she tries to protect her independence and maintain her pride is quite heartrending.I found myself glued to page after page in this story.

The Stone Angel is the first book of the five-volume Manawaka series. Each book in the series stands alone quite well and is enjoyable on its own. I don't believe Lawrence had intended a series when she first wrote The Stone Angel, however, the books were there to be written, and write them she did.

boring
I had to read this in high school and when i read the first few pages i couldn't go on.It was incredibly boring how it started off talking about the stone angel in the graveyard and i honestly couldn't care less but i had to read it for the term paper. other than hagar's occasionally amusing use of sarcasm and her bitterness towards the world, it was one of the hardest books i've had to read. her sometimes funny sarcasm, bitterness and negativity towards the people around her still cannot make up for the rest of the incredibly boring novel. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

The Fire-Dwellers
The Fire-Dwellers has been my introductory novel in the world of Margaret Laurence, and I have to say I'm hooked! The characters in the novel are interesting and dynamic. The book is written in a manner that challanges the reader's preconceptions of dialogue and narrative. A good read.

Margaret Laurence Recognizes the Extraordinary
Laurence recognizes the plight of married women, raising children and seeking passion.cleverly, the author weaves the story of Stacey as she tries desperately to communicate with her withdrawn husband.Relying on self-talk, and stumbling into an affair,she finally comes to realize that the ordinary life is filled with possibilities.

The Fire-Dwellers by Margaret Laurence: an excellent book
I read this book for an independent study, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Margaret Laurence always does an incredible job of creating characters that are very real, and that teach her readers to be empathetic toward other human beings. Stacey MacAindra is no exception. She is an accurate portrayal of an ordinary Canadian woman, wife and mother. Her story draws attention to many of the inner conflicts and challenges that ordinary people face every day that we often ignore or don't notice. The Fire-Dwellers is a very real story, and Margaret Laurence is right on in her description of the emotions and thoughts of Stacey and everyone in Canada who is like Stacey. ... Read more

Book Description

Term paper due tomorrow? Need to cram for a test? Or just looking for the best information about a favorite literary work?

Turn to "Novels for Students" to get your research done in record time. Brought to you by Thomson Gale--the world's leading source of literary criticism and analysis--this e-doc contains: plot summary; character analysis; author biography; an overview of the novel's themes, style, and historical context; a compendium of in-depth critical material; study questions; suggestions for further reading; and much more.

Why choose "Novels For Students"? Because no other source offers so much in such a compact package. Trust the experts: Thomson Gale--and "Novels for Students."Download Description

Term paper due tomorrow? Need to bone up for a test? Or just looking for the best information about a favorite literary work?

Turn to "Novels for Students" to get your research done in record time. Brought to you by the Gale Group--the world's leading source of literary criticism and analysis--this e-doc contains: plot summary; character analysis; author biography; an overview of the novel's themes, style, and historical context; a compendium of in-depth critical material; study questions; suggestions for further reading; and much more.

Why choose "Novels For Students"? Because no other source offers so much in such a compact package. Trust the experts: The Gale Group--and "Novels for Students." ... Read more

Book Description
Margaret Laurence instinctively turned to the epic mode to create archetypal narratives of loss, exile, and redemption. Drawing on the Bible, Dante, and Milton, Laurence absorbed the epic structure and populated it with the Manawaka world of Hagar Shipley, Rachel Cameron, Stacey MacAindra, and Morag Gunn.Paul Comeau traces the development of Margaret Laurence's voice from its tentative beginnings in her African fiction to its culmination in the Manawaka Cycle. According to Comeau, Laurence’s ability to illustrate the epic dimension in her characters’ strengths and weaknesses has ensured her a lasting place among great Canadian writers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An inspirational evaluation of Laurence's works
Written by an English teacher and lifelong friend of Canada's beloved, award-winning author Margaret Laurence, Alien Heart: The Life & Work Of Margaret Laurence is an inspirational evaluation of Laurence's works, drawing from insights into Laurence's life to foment a deeper understanding of her novels and short stories. Chapters follow Laurence from her girlhood to her passing in 1987, drawing deeply upon research as well as quotes and personal testimonies to weave the tapestry of her life. Enthusiastically recommended for fans and scholars of Laurence's books.

An inspirational evaluation of Laurence's works
Written by an English teacher and lifelong friend of Canada's beloved, award-winning author Margaret Laurence, Alien Heart: The Life & Work Of Margaret Laurence is an inspirational evaluation of Laurence's works, drawing from insights into Laurence's life to foment a deeper understanding of her novels and short stories. Chapters follow Laurence from her girlhood to her passing in 1987, drawing deeply upon research as well as quotes and personal testimonies to weave the tapestry of her life. Enthusiastically recommended for fans and scholars of Laurence's books.
... Read more

Book Description
This beautiful book presents in large format the story of Margaret Tafoys's paramount place in the evolution of Tewa Pueblo pottery in Santa Clara, New Mexico. This monumental work is divided into four major sections examining a history of the Pueblo people, Margaret Tafoya's life, Santa Clara pottery making techniques, and the Tafoya family and descendants. Because Margaret Tafoya has adhered to the traditions of her pueblo in both her lifestyle and her ceramics, these traditions are now being passed on through her children and grandchildren. Margaret Tafoya demonstrates the very best in Tewa Pueblo pottery. Enhanced by the spectacular photographs-more than a hundred of which are in full color-this books presents a tribute to the Pueblo ceramic artisans in general and especially, to Margaret Tafoya-a living icon and vital bridge between Tewa past future. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (11)

Not accetable for a teen
This book was the worst book i have ever read. I had to read it for an english project and man it was boring.It had no point to it at all and it was so confusing it didn't make any sense.I found that the prarie idea was a bad idea to write about becuase it doesnt capture a teen audience and it was so confusing becuase it jumped from year to year going back in years and then to two years alter and characters would leave and then never come back.The eight stories in one book just made it too much to take in at once.

A lesson for everyday life
I have read this book and the very first time, it is true that it gives an impression of overwhelming death and sorrow. The protagonist, Vanessa, comes into contact with life, that is REAL life and she just finds it hard to cope. But it is a story which is just so incredibly true-to-life that any one can identify themselves with the main character. It is only many, many years after that Vanessa understands what had confused her when she was 10 : her grandfather, so much feared and respected, and all the deaths which she had to endure in her family. If you have ever been at that stage, losing some of the people you loved in your heart of hearts, you will understand what Vanessa had to go through and see yourself in her position in front of new things as painful as death. It is not morbid at all, it just shows you that your family is there to help, but that in any case, everything's not hunky-dory!!!

I recommend this book
I really enjoyed this book. We studied it in school this year and at first I found it a bit slow but after a few pages I started to really get into it. It was easy to identify with the main character Vanessa and I really liked the way the rest of the characters were described, especially the grandfather. Here's a little example;"Well, Peter, you've brought the wood." It was his habit to begin conversations with a statement of the obvious, so that nothing except agreement was possible." I like this because it sums up the grandfather' character in two sentences, even though it's being developped throughout the entire novel. I can't really explain exactly why I enjoyed this book so much, I guess it's because of the subtle humor and the emotion involved. The sad parts are quite moving, and that's difficult to do without making the whole book depressing.

fields of wheat
Why are students constantly subjected to boring narratives about prairie boredom and depression? I live in the prairies and don't see why anyone would want to capture the soul-crushing essence of it all. If you are freereading, pick a book that will improve your state of well being rather thandragging you into the flat quagmire of prairie realism. However, asrequired reading there are definately worse books that professors couldassign you! ie. double hook!

This book isnt very good
i was forced to read this book by our public schools which are strongly influanced in theocracy i think that this book has too many references to"THE GREAT LORD" well i think this is wrong and obviously i didntenjoy this book it was too boring and really really slow at most parts itsa bunch of short stories which have been writen over a period of time.Margaret laurence isnt a good writer, i personally think that my review hasmore intelect and insight than any one of her novels ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from International Fiction Review, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2007. The length of the article is 858 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Paul Comeau: Margaret Laurence's Epic Imagination.(Book review)
Author: Laura Strong Davis
Publication: International Fiction Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 34Issue: 1-2Page: 193(2)

Article Type: Book review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from International Fiction Review, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2006. The length of the article is 874 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Margaret Laurence: Heart of a Straner.(Book review)
Author: Laura Strong Davis
Publication: International Fiction Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 33Issue: 1-2Page: 104(2)

Article Type: Book review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
Canadian Fiction Studies are an answer to every librarian's, student's, and teacher's wishes. Each book, about 80 pages in length, contains clear, readable information on a major Canadian novel. These studies are carefully designed readings of the novels; they are not substitutes for reading them. Each book is attractively produced and follows the same format, so students will know exactly what to expect:

A chronology of the author's lifeThe importance of the bookCritical receptionReading of the textSelected list of works cited ... Read more

Book Description
Nearly all of Laurence's works from Africa and Canada are critiqued in this volume. The essays highlight Laurence's innovative narrative styles, showing how her combinations of oral literary forms and unique shifts in tense and point of view help her achieve vivid character portrayals. In addition, viewing Laurence's prose as closely textured poetry, her use of language, theme, and image are carefully critiqued. The importance of Laurence's portrayal of women's experiences, most notably that of aging women, is viewed in a feminist framework. These new American perspectives on Laurence will be of interest to both scholars and students. ... Read more

Book Description
By the 1970s, Margaret Laurence and Gabrielle Roy had become two of the literary icons of Canada. Although both were natives of Manitoba, they never had met. In 1976 Laurence and Roy began this seven-year correspondence in English, when both were at the height of their powers as writers.

In these lovely and intimate letters, two great Canadian writers discuss everything from their common prairie backgrounds to current politics and censorship. ... Read more

Book Description

This book highlights the accomplishments of one of Canada's most acclaimed and beloved fiction writers, Margaret Laurence, who died in 1987. The essays in this collection explore her body of work as well as her influence on young Canadian writers today.