This 1988 novel may be Atwood’s most autobiographical story. Most notably, this is a story about women. Elaine is a painter in her 50s who returns to Toronto for a retrospective art show. What follows are reflections on her life. Perhaps the best section describes her childhood, ages 8-15, and the pervasive influence of mean girls who play on Elaine’s insecurity and her need to please. The cruelty is subtle, stressing Elaine’s imperfections. And there are secrets and shifting alliances. These girlhood traumas persist into adult life, so this is a powerful coming-of-age novel, a must read book.
Category: Book themes
Whistler – Ann Patchett
Simply put, this is a fantastic book. Daphne, a 53-year-old married woman, has a chance encounter with Eddie in an art museum; Eddie was briefly her step-dad when she was 9 years old (so 44 years ago). This is a superb relationship story, of the choices that people make and the choices that are made for them. There is a quiet simplicity to Patchett’s storytelling that remind me of Anne Tyler (high praise) There is transcendent writing about memory, and even lying as an act of kindness. This is one of Patchett’s best books about loss and enduring love – highly recommended. Thanks Amy, for this book.
Theo Of Golden – Allen Levi
Full disclosure – this remarkable first novel is unabashedly sentimental, and there will be tears. Theo is an 86-year-old gentleman of European origins who leaves his New York home to spend a year in Golden in SE USA. So, the obvious first question is why? What is his motivation? His actions are to exhibit goodness and kindness, to be curious, to be a conversationalist and especially to be a great listener. And he has a mysterious impulse to purchase portraits and return them as gifts to the subjects, a bestowal. The consequences of Theo’s generous actions create wonderful stories, reminding the reader of the importance of being an encourager in an anxious world, and thus to witness uplifting experiences. Thanks Joyce, for the gift of this book.
Fingersmith – Sarah Waters
This intriguing novel is a fine example of historical fiction. The setting: London and the south of England in the 1860s. Two 17-year-old women become involved in a Dickensian plot involving seduction and theft, but who are the villains? What if some villains become victims? Overall, this is a dramatic thriller with many thieves, and double crosses with some truly evil people, so very entertaining.
Cannery Row – John Steinbeck
Simply put, this is a great book, a literary treasure. The very first sentence is sublime: “Cannery Row in Monterey .. is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a nostalgia, a dream”. And later: “The corrugated iron of the cannery glows with the pearly lucence of platinum or old pewter”. And there are the characters and activities: the escapades of Mack and the boys to capture frogs for Doc at the Western Biological Laboratory, Doc’s epic trip to La Jolla to collect octopi, the repair of a Model T truck. Overall, this 1945 novel is both humorous and poignant, a must read. Thanks, Erin, for the impetus to re-read this classic.
On The Calculation Of Volume-I – Solvej Balle
This is a fascinating story about a groundhog day. For Tara, the 18th of November repeats itself, apparently endlessly. Does this improbability represent a fault in time? There are intriguing inconsistencies in time, in what stays and what disappears. What about her husband Tom? In fact, Tara remembers and Tom forgets. What is unique and compelling about this story are the psychological aspects. Does Tara have a future? Is there an explanation, a hopeful resolution? Can she escape or is this her new reality. Overall, this is an extraordinarily introspective story. Thanks Amy, for the gift of this book.
Travels With Charley – John Steinbeck
In 1960 at the age of 58 and after his last novel, Steinbeck sets out on a road trip with his faithful dog Charley, in search of America. After 10,000 miles over 4 months, this epic trip comes to an end. No surprise: the writing is superb. Steinbeck is a keen observer of geography, and long periods of time in a camper truck provide frequent opportunities for reminiscing. One of the best sections is California: the giant redwoods, the magic of the desert, revisiting his Salinas home. There is also a melancholy, a palpable disenchantment with the world culminating with a disastrous exposure to racial tension in the South. Overall, this is a stunning portrait of American complexity.
Is This A Cry For Help? – Emily Austin
Full disclosure: this book is a tribute to libraries and librarians! Darcy is a 32-year-old librarian who is recovering from a sick leave precipitated by the death of a former partner. So part of the story is a professional analysis of her insecurities and her need to please others. And there are important library challenges to principles of intellectual freedom and inclusivity due to censorship demands. So, a book that deals with important contemporary issues.
PS: Emily Austin also wrote Everyone in this Room will Someday be Dead
The Cure For Drowning – Loghan Paylor
This book is the well-deserved winner of the 2026 Canada Reads competition, championed by the formidable and eloquent Tegan Quin. This is brilliant historical fiction: small town Ontario in 1939 and then WWII in Halifax and Europe. There are two principal characters: the non-binary Catherine/Kit/Christopher and Rebekah. These vivid individuals are grappling with identity and belonging, so different perspectives on life are featured. And there is some magic realism, aka folklore: highly recommended.
What David Read 