'One of the best novels I have read this year. It's deft, funny, poignant, surprising and beautifully shaped.' Margaret Atwood Mary Swann, a latter-day Emily Dickinson, submitted a paper bag of poems to newspaper editor Frederic Cruzzi mere hours before her husband hacked her to pieces. How could someone who led such a dull, sheltered life produce these works of genius? Four very different people search for the elusive answer.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
'Quite excellent. Hers is a name to set beside those of Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro.' Anita Brookner, Spectator 'A funny, compassionate, open-handed novel. A worthy British debut from a fine Canadian author.' Glasgow Herald 'Formally ingenious and inventive, strikingly evocative of place, of character, of the world of things, capable of both comedy and tenderness, and above all beautifully written.' LRB 'Clearly a work of an experienced and skilful writer. This is not only a first-rate read, it is also sophisticated and ingeniously crafted.' Listener
About the Author
Carol Shields is American born, spent three years in Manchester in the 60s, but now lives in Canada. Married with five children. Her first novel was published in 1990.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Mary Swann,
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This review is from: Mary Swann (Paperback)
"Mary Swann" was my introduction to the wonderful writing of Carol Shields. Back in the 80s, my knowledge of Canadian writers was limited to Margaret Atwood. In my opinion Shields is every bit as good. This intriguing story is about the mysterious rural poet, Swann, whose very identity seems to fade as others try to find out about her life and work, and how she came to write such haunting poetry within a harsh rural environment and a repressive marriage. The characters seeking to solve Mary Swann's enigma all project their own versions of her life upon their quest, but she eludes them all. The novel is a fine mystery, which explores just how difficult it is to truly know another person, and also touches on the often self-serving nature of literary scholarship.
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