Subject
Canada -- History -- Fiction Books
Best books
W. D. (William Douw) Lighthall
The Young Seigneur Or, Nation-Making
"The Young Seigneur" by W. D. Lighthall is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers on Chamilly Haviland, a young man navigating the complexities of identity and duty in post-Confederation Canada. The book explores themes of nation-making, cultural heritage, and social responsibility, particularly through the lens of French-Canadian society. At the start of the novel, the story opens with an Ontarian, Mr. Chrysler, traveling to Quebec, where he encounters Chamilly and learns about the Manoir of Dormillière, the ancestral home of the Haviland family. As a young parliamentarian with aspirations for his nation, Chamilly yearns to introduce his English-speaking friend to the vibrant life and traditions of French Canada. The narrative delves into the interplay of social classes, the remnants of feudal legacies, and the awakening of national consciousness in a newly unified Canada. The initial chapters establish a rich setting and introduce various characters, hinting at the intricate connections between personal ambition and collective identity.
Harold Bindloss
The Lure of the North
"The Lure of the North" by Harold Bindloss is a novel penned during the early 20th century. It narrates the story of Jim Thirlwell, a young engineer torn between the lure of civilized comforts and the challenges of life in Canada's wilderness as he grapples with personal ambitions, family pressures, and romantic entanglements amidst the backdrop of the North's rugged beauty and harsh realities. The opening of the novel finds Thirlwell dining at a hotel in Quebec, reflecting on the stark contrast between his past life in the wilds of North Ontario and present societal expectations. As he interacts with his relatives and a young woman named Evelyn, it becomes clear that he is at a crossroads, facing a tempting job offer that could bring him back to England. However, he feels a pull towards his duties in the North, demonstrating a strong moral compass inherited from his father. This conflict sets the stage for his developing character and the relationships he forms while remaining loyal to his commitments in the wilderness. Ultimately, the opening chapters establish a rich tapestry of themes including ambition, sacrifice, and the search for identity, enticing readers to delve deeper into Thirlwell's journey.
Mary Hartwell Catherwood
The Romance of Dollard
"The Romance of Dollard" by Mary Hartwell Catherwood is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and exploits of Adam Dollard, a French hero in colonial Canada, focusing on his adventures and the relationships he forms in a land fraught with danger and cultural contrasts. This tale weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and historical themes set against the backdrop of New France. The opening of the narrative introduces us to a vibrant scene in Quebec on a spring day in 1660 as two young men walk through the town following the arrival of a ship from France filled with new settlers, including women destined for marriage. One of the men, Dollard, is portrayed as a strong and enthusiastic leader with aspirations that seem to deal with not just settling but finding a partner to build a life with amid the challenges posed by the Iroquois and the wilderness. Interspersed with discussions about the newcomers and their fates are glimpses of Dollard's thoughts on duty, love, and the uncertain future that awaits both him and his companion Jacques as they navigate the turbulent realities of life in New France. The narrative hints at romance and adventure that promises to unfold as the characters confront their destinies.
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