Matt Cohen crafted compelling narratives that delved into the complexities of familial bonds and the search for identity. His novels are characterized by a profound psychological insight and a lyrical, metaphorical style that draws readers into the depths of human experience. Cohen explored themes of memory, loss, and the intricate connections between past and present. His work offers a remarkable meditation on what it means to be human in a world of constant change and personal challenge.
Originally published in 1972, Columbus and the Fat Lady was award-winning author Matt Cohen's first collection of satirical and surreal short stories -- now reissued in a handsome A List edition with an introduction by celebrated novelist and literary translator Wayne Grady.
Focusing on the concept of incremental improvement, the author shares personal experiences, research, and insights gained from both successes and failures. This guide aims to inspire readers to embrace small steps toward significant change in their businesses, homes, and communities, offering practical advice and encouragement for those seeking to enhance their lives.
Now that academic consensus has turned away from the dichotomy between the literate culture of the Puritans and the oral culture of Native Americans, Cohen (English, U. of Texas-Austin) looks at the methodological, disciplinary, legal, political, and aesthetic implications for studying communication during the early period of English colonies in North America. He looks at native audience, good noise from New England, forests of gestures, and multimedia combat and the Pequot War.
The memoir captures Matt Cohen's reflections on his writing journey during his final months, blending humor and brilliance. It chronicles his significant contributions to Canadian literature, including co-founding the Writers' Union and advocating for public lending rights. As a translator of Quebec writers, Cohen navigated the complexities of cultural identity as a Jewish intellectual in a predominantly WASPish landscape. His legacy reveals his role as a vital link for many in the literary community, highlighting his impact on both writers and readers in Canada.
Returning to small-town Ontario, Carl McKelvey seeks to reconnect with his daughter Lizzie while escaping his troubled past. However, he finds himself entangled in a local power struggle involving his ex-wife's new husband and a prominent businessman. As tensions rise in the community, Carl grapples with unresolved feelings for his former wife and the lingering shadows of his family's history, including the presence of a man connected to his enigmatic mother. The story unfolds against a backdrop of personal and communal conflict.