Revered Canadian author Margaret Laurence (1926-1987) put out "The Diviners" in 1974. Laurence was born in Manitoba and she bases this story in that province. The book focuses on the life reminisces of a writer, Morag Gunn, as she struggles to finish another novel. Morag reveals a life of struggle as she discusses the people in her life (family and acquaintances) and her ongoing search for love. Morag's triumph throughout a troubled life serves as an inspirational symbol. Laurence examines choices and consequences in relation to meaning and purpose in life. A wealth of issues are explored - independence, entrapment, reconciliation, alienation, embarrassment, liberation, racism, sexism, mythology. The novel's characters are flawed but rich with meaning. In the end, truth and love can be "divined" in many ways.

If Laurence has made an impression on you by the end of this novel, then consider reading her most acclaimed book, "The Stone Angel" (1964). Like "The Diviners," it is also set in the fictitious town of Manawaka.

"The Diviners" earned Margaret Laurence a Govenor General's Award. On the other hand, this book has been banned from many schools over the years. Typically, narrow-minded finger-wagging groups claim this novel is obscene. But the inclusion of sex in the novel should not overshadow Laurence's artistic merit. As someone who thinks it is wrong to ban any book from being read, I encourage you to visit www.freedomtoread.ca to learn more about literary censorship.