Margaret Laurence Knihy

Hrdinka Morag Gunnová pochází ze stísněných poměrů kanadského prérijního městečka, ale díky svým schopnostem, cílevědomosti a ctižádosti odtud dokáže vyváznout. Než dokončí studium na univerzitě, provdá se za svého profesora, už během nepodařeného bezdětného manželství píše svůj první román. Morag se pak naplno věnuje literatuře, když od manžela odejde, a zároveň vychovává svou dceru, jejímž otcem je Moragin přítel z dětství, potomek kanadských francouzsko-indiánských míšenců. Morag se snaží naplnit svůj život uměleckou prací a přitom hledá své prameny: na čas se vydá i do Skotska, odkud její rodina pochází. Podobně hledá později své prameny i její dcera mezi svými mestickými příbuznými. Morag ve zralém věku žije na samotě ve venkovské chalupě u řeky, v souladu s přírodou a s lidmi, kteří k tomuto prostředí patří.

The book presents a lyrical exploration of growing up through eight interconnected stories centered around Vanessa MacLeod. Set against a backdrop of natural beauty, it delves into themes of family dynamics, love, and the complexities of transitioning into womanhood. Each finely crafted narrative contributes to a cohesive and emotionally resonant portrayal of a girl's journey, highlighting both the joys and struggles of her experiences. This work stands out for its poignant and compassionate storytelling.

Set against the backdrop of post-colonial Ghana, the ten stories explore the lives of both European and African characters grappling with the challenges of newfound freedom. Laurence vividly contrasts modernity with traditional tribal customs, creating a rich tapestry of cultural conflict. Her compassionate storytelling reveals the struggles and resilience of individuals navigating a rapidly changing world, showcasing her talent for capturing the complexities of human experience in a vibrant and often unsettling environment.

A vivid portrait of a woman convinced that life has more to offer her than the tedious routine of her days.

In 1957, the British colony of the Gold Coast broke free to become the independent nation of Ghana. Margaret Laurence’s first novel, This Side Jordan, recreates that colour-drenched world: a place where men and women struggle with self-betrayal, self-discovery, and the dawning of political pride.This Side Jordan transcends the traditional limits of the first novel. Its powerful and compassionate characterizations and its themes of exile and community anticipate the five later novels that make up Laurence’s acclaimed Manawaka series. A major work of lasting significance, This Side Jordan creates echoes in the mind of the reader as resonant as the drums of Ghana.

"Ross' style is always beautifully matched to his material - spare, lean, honest, no gimmicks, and yet in its very simplicity setting up continuing echoes in the mind." - Margaret Laurence --Book Jacket.

A duty-ridden woman dreams of breaking free from her small-town chains.

Hagar Shipley, a proud and irascible nonagenarian, retreats in the face of her approaching death and the bitter squabbling of her son and his wife to reflect on her past - her childhood marriage to tough-talking Bram Shipley, her two sons, the harshness of farm life on the prairie, her own failures and the failures and betrayals of others. A bloody minded and independent woman to the end, she embarks on a final wild escapade.

In Hagar Shipley, Margaret Laurence has created one of the boldest, most memorable characters in Canadian fiction. Raise according to the stern virtues of her pioneer ancestors, Hagar Shipley leads a life of uncompromising pride--a pride which sustained her during a stormy marriage, but which lost her favourite son. As her story unfolds we are given vividly etched descriptions of Hagar as a young girl in a remote prairie town; of her now estranged husband; of John, her outoing son; and Marvin, the son she never loved. And now, with her life nearly behind her, Hagar makes a bold, last step towards freedom and independence, and in the Process gains a deeper understanding of the meaning of acceptance.