Title: Canada
Author: Richard Ford
First published June 1, 2012
420 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061692048 (ISBN10: 0061692042)
Rating: 3.51
Overview
“First, I’ll tell about the robbery our parents committed. Then about the murders, which happened later.” These harrowing words forever change the life of fifteen-year-old Dell Parsons.
After his parents rob a bank and are imprisoned, Dell’s sense of normalcy is shattered beyond repair. His twin sister Berner runs away, leaving Dell with an uncertain future in Montana.
But an unexpected intervention from a family friend sends Dell on a journey across the Canadian border, where he finds refuge with the enigmatic Arthur Remlinger. Under the vast prairie sky of Saskatchewan, Dell attempts to rebuild his life and make sense of the world he thought he knew.
However, a sinister force looms in the shadows, threatening to shatter the fragile peace Dell has found. In Canada, Richard Ford delivers a haunting tale of innocence lost and the bonds of family, told in his signature spare and luminous prose.
A true masterpiece, this novel is destined to become a modern classic.
About the Author
Meet Richard Ford, an accomplished American novelist and short story writer born on February 16th, 1944 in Jackson, Mississippi. He has several notable works, including The Sportswriter and its sequels, Independence Day, The Lay of the Land, and Let Me Be Frank With You.
He also has a collection of short stories titled Rock Springs, which features several widely anthologized stories. Ford’s writing style has been compared to literary greats such as John Updike, William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, and Walker Percy.
In 1996, Ford’s novel Independence Day earned him the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, as well as the PEN/Faulkner Award in the same year.
Editoral Review
In his novel, “Canada,” author Richard Ford explores the complexities of family, loyalty, and identity in a narrative that spans decades and crosses international borders. First published on June 1, 2012, this literary novel falls under the category of contemporary fiction and has been praised for its well-crafted prose and intricate character development.
The novel centers around the experiences of the young Dell Parsons, who is forced to navigate a turbulent and unpredictable world after his parents are arrested for a bank robbery. Set in the early 1960s, the novel takes readers on a journey through the American Midwest and into Canada, where Dell must confront the harsh realities of survival and adulthood.
Ford’s writing style is notable for its attention to detail and its ability to evoke a strong sense of place. From the vast, open landscapes of Montana to the bustling streets of Saskatoon, the novel immerses readers in its vividly rendered world.
The character of Dell, in particular, is a testament to Ford’s skill as a writer, as he is able to create a fully realized and sympathetic protagonist who is both relatable and unique.
In terms of its historical significance, “Canada” offers a nuanced perspective on the cultural and political issues of its time, particularly with regards to the tensions between the United States and Canada. At the same time, the novel remains relevant to contemporary readers, as it touches on themes such as the nature of identity, the role of family in shaping our lives, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
One of the strengths of “Canada” is its pacing, which is measured and deliberate, allowing the novel’s themes and characters to unfold gradually. However, some readers may find the novel’s slow burn approach to be frustrating at times, particularly given its length.
Despite this, “Canada” is an impressive achievement, and one that deserves to be read by fans of literary fiction. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human, and how we are shaped by the people and places around us.
In conclusion, “Canada” is a beautifully written and thoughtfully crafted novel that will appeal to readers who appreciate well-rendered characters, evocative prose, and nuanced storytelling. While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to invest the time and effort required to fully engage with the novel will be rewarded with a rich and rewarding reading experience.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give this book an 8.5, based on its strong writing, memorable characters, and cultural and historical significance.
