Wayne Johnston Books

The book explores themes of resilience and personal growth through the journey of its protagonist, who faces significant challenges and transformations. Readers are drawn into a compelling narrative that combines emotional depth with relatable experiences. The characters are vividly portrayed, each contributing to the overarching message of hope and perseverance. With a gripping plot that keeps the audience engaged, the story resonates with anyone seeking inspiration and motivation in their own lives.

"The Colony of Unrequited Dreams" is a sweeping mystery and love story set in Newfoundland, following Joey Smallwood, who rises from poverty to become the first premier, and Sheilagh Fielding, a satirical writer. Their intertwined lives reflect themes of ambition, love, and the clash of personal and historical narratives.

In this beloved, bestselling novel which has been unavailable for some time, young Draper Doyle Ryan tries to come to terms with the mysterious death of his father as he struggles, in touching, comic fashion, with budding adolescence and the strange demands of his proudly eccentric family. When first published in 1990, The Divine Ryans received unanimous critical praise and won the Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award; Wayne Johnston himself was hailed as one of Canada's most distinctive comic talents.

Beloved author Wayne Johnston returns to the territory of his #1 national bestseller The Colony of Unrequited Dreams with this sweeping tale of ambition, remorse and hope. A World Elsewhere is an astounding work of literature with all the hallmarks of Wayne Johnston's most beloved and acclaimed novels: outsiders yearning for acceptance, dreams that threaten to overpower their makers, and unlikely romance. The beating heart of this story is the touching relationship between a father and his adopted son. This sweeping tale immerses us in St. John's, Princeton and North Carolina at the close of the 19th century. Landish Druken is a formidable figure: broader than most doorways, quick-witted and sharp-tongued. As a student at Princeton, he is befriended by Padgett "Van" Vanderluyden, son of the wealthiest man in America. Years later, when Landish and his son turn to Van for help, he invites them to his self-constructed castle and pulls them into his web of lies and deceit.

At the centre of THE NAVIGATOR OF NEW YORK is the rivalry between Robert Peary and Frederick Cook to be the first American to reach the North Pole. Its protagonist, however, is Devlin Stead, a young man from St John's, Newfoundland. Devlin's mother dies, in mysterious circumstances, when he is only five, and he endures a lonely childhood before discovering the truth about his parentage. That discovery transforms his life- he finds his true father and embarks on a journey of unbelievable risk. His adventure brings him celebrity, acclaim from New York 'society', real love, and finally the truth about the bitter feud between two strange, driven men.

This collection features haunting micro fiction that captivates with its blend of black humor, horror, and tragedy. Each story offers unexpected surprises and plot twists, engaging readers in a unique exploration of diverse themes and genres. The emphasis on word play and conceptual games adds depth, making it a thought-provoking read for those who appreciate literary experimentation.

In Het huis van Baltimore keert Johnston in gedachten terug naar zijn geboortegrond, naar het leven van zijn vader en grootvader en hun relatie met Newfoundland.