The Master; a Novel

by Israel Zangwill

"The Master" by Israel Zangwill is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the life of young Matt Strang, who faces the struggles of growing up in a rural Nova Scotia family afflicted by poverty and loss. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, personal aspirations, and the pursuit of artistic expression against the backdrop of a harsh, unforgiving landscape. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the Strang family, highlighting the challenges they face following the death of Matt's father, a sailor who dies at sea. The narrative begins in the cold winter of Acadia, where the family deals with their grief while also confronting the practicalities of survival. Matt, who has artistic talents, grapples with the reality of his circumstances, taking on the role of caretaker for his siblings as they navigate their mother's emotional turmoil and the looming responsibility of paying off the family mortgage. The source of much of their distress is their mother’s erratic behavior, which leads to dramatic confrontations, as well as Matt's internal struggles as he seeks to find a balance between duty to his family and his longing for creative fulfillment.