Margaret Laurence delves into the complexities of human existence on the Canadian prairies through the fictional town of Manawaka. Her works explore the inner lives of characters with profound depth, examining themes of identity, memory, and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Laurence approaches her writing with keen psychological insight, deftly capturing the nuances of the human experience. Her prose is characterized by rich, evocative language and a commitment to psychological realism.
Exploring the challenges of cultural communication in 1950s Somaliland, the narrative captures Margaret Laurence's experiences alongside her engineer husband. Through her encounters with local orators, poets, and craftsmen, she gains insight into the resilience and creativity of the Somali people. Blending travelogue and autobiography, it celebrates human nature and the shared struggle for survival in a harsh environment, making it a poignant read for anyone who has felt like an outsider.
„Es geht zwar um tiefe Enttäuschungen, aber es ist sehr lustig geschrieben ... Wie Margaret Laurence beschreibt, wie das Leben alle Träume und Sehnsüchte platthaut und wie bigott die Leute sind und verlogen... Das ist einfach wunderbar zu lesen. Ein ganz herrlicher Roman. Besser können Sie durch diesen Herbst gar nicht kommen.“ Elke Heidenreich auf SpiegelOnline über Das Glutnest Als Stacey MacAindra ihre Heimatstadt Manawaka in der Erwartung auf ein neues Leben vor vielen Jahren verließ, rechnete sie nicht damit, einmal so zu enden: als Hausfrau mit einem abwesenden, einsilbigen Ehemann, vier Kindern und einer existenziellen Krise. Sie kann nicht glauben, dass ihr Leben nicht mehr zu bieten hat – und brennt darauf, aus der nervtötenden Routine ihrer Tage auszubrechen und die Leidenschaft ihrer Jugend wieder zu entfachen, die nur noch eine dunkle Erinnerung zu sein scheint. Auch im dritten ihrer Manawaka-Romane schenkt uns Margaret Laurence eine unvergessliche Heldin – menschlich, voller Ironie und Humor. In der Erzählung von Staceys Leben steckt der ganze Reichtum, der Schmerz und die Schönheit des Alltäglichen, und die vergessene Lebensfreude, die jeder von uns in sich trägt.
Focusing on Canada's diverse landscape and societal issues, this critical edition compiles over fifty essays by esteemed author Margaret Laurence. Covering various themes such as politics and literature, the essays reflect her insights and experiences from the 1960s to the 1980s, showcasing her deep connection to the nation and its people. This collection highlights Laurence's significant contributions to Canadian literature and her unique perspective on the cultural and political landscape of the time.
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.
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.
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.
