Review: Two Solitudes by Hugh Maclennan [Canada Reads 2013]

Publisher: New Canadian Library

Released: 1945- Reprinted 2009

Pages: 530

Source: Personal Copy

Rating: 2/5

Synopsis:

Two Solitudes follows the life Athanese Tallard, a French-Canadian, his second wife Kathleen, an Irish-Canadian and their young son named Paul. Athanese’s older son Marius blames all of his problems on English-Canadians; as a result he disapproves of Kathleen. Paul is given a view of both worlds, and seeing the clashes between cultures. Two Solitudes demonstrates the difficult politics through history, war, religious views and progression.

Review:

I struggled with Two Solitudes, at times I wasn’t sure if I wanted to finish it. As an English, Quebecer I had a hard time with the politics. Our current politics didn’t help me want to read through this.

Throughout the novel, I  had a hard time liking the characters. They seemed one dimensional, and didn’t really peak my interest. The writing was very dry, the pacing was very slow and I felt very standoffish towards this one. I’m glad I read this one, but I don’t recommend it. I was surprised that this book was the runner up in the Canada Reads 2013 battle.

Review: The Imposter Bride by Nancy Richler

Publisher: HarperCollins

Released: 2012

Pages: 371

Source: Personal Copy

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

Lily Azerov has fled Eastern Europe after the turmoil of the Second World War. When Lily arrives in Montreal to meet her betrothed, Sol Kramer she wants to escape her old life. Unfortunately, when Sol meets Lily he immediately decides that he won’t marry her. His brother, Nathan decides that he will marry her. Lily accepts, and their wedding is arranged. During their reception, a cousin of Lily’s decides that she is not who she says she is. This Lily stole her cousin’s identity, and she wants to know what happened to the real Lily. The woman claiming to be Lily doesn’t know what to do. She tries to make a life for herself, but she ends up abandoning her infant and leaving behind a journal and a rare diamond.

Review:

The Imposter Bride focuses on Lily’s daughter Ruth. Ruth is determined to find out what happened to her mother, what made her run off when she was only a few months old. If Lily isn’t who she says she is, Ruth wants to find out who her mother is and where can she find her. Apart from a few rocks that were mysteriously mailed, Ruth hasn’t had any contact with her mother. Her father has been great, and her aunt and uncle have really stepped in to help. When she begins asking questions, they don’t really know what to tell her.

The Imposter Bride is an unforgettable story. The writing is detailed and compelling. Richler delivers a rich novel filled with great characters, secrets and the desire to uncover the truth. Ruth is a prime example of a confused child, trying to put the pieces together, needing to figure out where she came from. She doesn’t seem to blame her mother; she just wants to figure out why. What happened to cause her mother to run away and abandon her? 

Dinner with Lisa by R L Prendergast

Publisher: Dekko Publishing
Pages: 288
Source: Book Tour
Review: 5/5



Synopsis:

Joseph Gaston is a recent widow, trying to raise four children during disastrous economic times. After the roaring twenties came the dirty thirties, and the economy was hit hard, Canada was largely affected as well. Joseph is encouraged to split up his children amongst family to help ease his burden. He knows that would break his heart, and he packs up his children in search of employment. Joseph and his four children board a train from Ontario to Alberta. His brother and sister-in-law welcome him to a small town in Alberta. Joseph is hoping that Philibuster will give him the financial security that he needs for his children. His childless sister-in-law has agreed to take care of his children during the day, and she is ecstatic to have her home filled with children. Joseph arrives hopeful and excited; unfortunately the job that he had secured before he left has been given to someone else and Joseph is crushed. He clings to the memory of his wife, and the hope that he can survive with the help of family.

Review:

I’m always intrigued by Canadian history, and I was happy to have a chance to review this book. I had no idea that I would enjoy this novel as thoroughly as I did. The characters were fantastically written and developed. Each secondary character had a great storyline. The economic times were historically accurate and very well portrayed. History focuses on the facts; literature transports you to a time and place. Readers begin to live the lives of those people in those situations. A well written historical novel has readers enjoying the ride, and unknowingly learning the facts.

Joseph’s situation is dire, and his brother is very nonchalant. They made a great pair, Henri thought the world of his brother and always had faith that we would get through anything. Henri and Tilda were happy to help with the children, but Tilda has her own motives. She’s always wanted to be a mother and she would love to take Joseph’s children to raise as her own. Joseph must work to gain his children’s attention.

Prendergast has created a great Canadian historical read; he paints a bleak picture of the economic depression with flawed characters and vivid descriptions. The story doesn’t have a lot of dialogue, but reads very well. The story is perfectly paced, filled with many twists and turned. I highly recommend this one; I really enjoyed each and every page.