Hugh Mac Lennan Boeken

Book by MacLennan, Hugh

The Colour of Canada (Canadian Illustrated Library) McClelland and Stewart Limited revised edition 1972

Since its 1945 publication, Hugh MacLennan's novel has been overshadowed by the cliché "Two Solitudes," a political term that undermines its true complexity. The title, inspired by Rilke rather than a political theorist, does a disservice to the novel, which offers a nuanced exploration of Quebec's culture and politics. Set during the last days of World War I and leading into World War II, the story begins in the fictional parish of Saint-Marc-des-Érables, an insular farming community resistant to change. The central conflict arises between Athanase Tallard, who advocates for English-Canadian investment and industrial growth, and Father Beaubien, who wishes to preserve the status quo. As the narrative shifts to Montreal, it addresses the challenges faced by the next generation. While the urban sections have been criticized for being contrived, they are crucial to MacLennan's vision of a more cosmopolitan Canada, contrasting with narrow nationalism. Though not without its flaws—being at times hokey or heavy-handed—the novel remains an engaging human story and a politically aware narrative. MacLennan's portrayal of Canada, divided primarily into French-Canadian and English-Canadian identities, reflects an illusion that still influences contemporary political discourse. Ultimately, the novel serves as a sympathetic and accessible chronicle of the tensions that shaped modern Quebec.

Penelope Wain believes that her lover, Neil Macrae, has been killed while serving overseas under her father. That he died apparently in disgrace does not alter her love for him, even though her father is insistent on his guilt. What neither Penelope or her father knows is that Neil is not dead, but has returned to Halifax to clear his name. Hugh MacLennan’s first novel is a compelling romance set against the horrors of wartime and the catastrophic Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917.

Quebec, francouzská provincie v Kanadě - v čase začátku první světové války se setkáváme s Athanasem Tallardem, vzdělaným a rozhledným mužem s nespoutanými vášněmi, pocházejícím z aristokratické rodiny, která zde žije už od sedmnáctého století. Sobášem s mladou Írkou Kathleen se proti své vůli postaví bigotnímu vidieckému prostředí, což ho nakonec zničí společensky, majetkově i fyzicky. Jeho syn Paul se musí tvrdě probojovávat životem, už ne jako dědic privilegovaných předků, ale jako profesionální hokejista a námořník. Předsudky, které zahubily jeho otce, stojí v cestě i jeho lásce k Heather, dívce z bohaté presbyteriánské anglické rodiny. Oba najdou sílu vzepřít se tlaku prostředí a navzdory hrozbě druhé světové války věří jeden v druhého a důvěřují budoucnosti.