Who knew that a stone in a snowball could change the lives of so many people? Robertson Davies' (1913-1995) novel "Fifth Business" first appeared in 1970. It is generally considered his most popular book, although my personal favourite is the very funny "Leaven of Malice" (1954). "Fifth Business" is the lead novel in Davies' Deptford Trilogy, followed by "The Manticore" and "World of Wonders." This book explores the life of a small town Canadian school teacher. Davies explores and contrasts several themes throughout the novel (e.g. materialism and spirituality, religion and morality, myth and reality, irony and humour). In the end it seems that, for Davies, things of the spirit are more important than worldly concerns. This book reveals him to be a wise and humorous master of the written word. He certainly is an author who's talent should not be lost to time. Anyone interested in probing the depths of great Canadian literature should certainly become familiarized with at least a couple of Mr. Davies' novels.
Who knew that a stone in a snowball could change the lives of so many people? Robertson Davies' (1913-1995) novel "Fifth Business" first appeared in 1970. It is generally considered his most popular book, although my personal favourite is the very funny "Leaven of Malice" (1954). "Fifth Business" is the lead novel in Davies' Deptford Trilogy, followed by "The Manticore" and "World of Wonders." This book explores the life of a small town Canadian school teacher. Davies explores and contrasts several themes throughout the novel (e.g. materialism and spirituality, religion and morality, myth and reality, irony and humour). In the end it seems that, for Davies, things of the spirit are more important than worldly concerns. This book reveals him to be a wise and humorous master of the written word. He certainly is an author who's talent should not be lost to time. Anyone interested in probing the depths of great Canadian literature should certainly become familiarized with at least a couple of Mr. Davies' novels.
