All About Austen

Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors. Her delightful Regency novels have inspired a whole genre of modern-day writers who write Regency Romance. The talented Miss Austen only wrote 6 books, and I thought I would reread them all to see if I could determine my favourite. Below, then, is my list of Austen novels, from least favourite to most. (And, yes, I know Austen left an unfinished novel, The Watsons, which I have not included on my list.)

#6: Northanger Abbey
This is my least favourite of Austen's books. It's one of her earliest works, and while other early books were reworked, Northanger Abbey was not and I think it shows. It's Austen, so it's still better than a lot of books out there, but it's not my favourite and is really only in my collection for the sake of completeness.

I see where Austen was going with the parody of the Gothic novel, but a lot of the humour is really time-specific. And Catherine Norland is not Austen's most memorable heroine. She did grow on me a little by the end, but at times she's as annoying and silly as Lydia from Pride and Prejudice! However, it's interesting to read to compare with the later Austens and see how her talent developed. The talent is there - it just needs some refining.

#5: Mansfield Park
I think of this book as "What happened to Lydia at the end of Pride and Prejudice". The situation in which Fanny Price's mother finds herself in the novel is how I think Lydia ended up after Pride and Prejudice. I don't hate this book - but it's just not as good as Austen's other works.

Perhaps part of that is heroine: Fanny Price. Poor little meek, quiet, put-upon, shy Fanny Price. She is overlooked by everyone and treated as the poor cousin by her whole family. She does not have Emma's strong will nor Elizabeth's sparkling wit. She's also a bit of a prude. (By today's standards.) Further, a lot of the characters surrounding Fanny are more interesting, such as Mary Crawford and Fanny's cousins Maria and Julia.

That said, the book is still an interesting read and tackles some darker subjects than other Austen books - slavery hovers around the edge, divorce, elopement, playacting. It is a reflection of the times, and I am happy at the end for the happy ending of Fanny Price and rejoice in the downfall of evil Aunt Norris. Aunt Norris has to be one of the most reprehensible characters that Austen has ever created. If you like a quiet, moral heroine, then Mansfield Park is the book for you.

#4: Emma
Yes, Emma comes in at #4. Yes, sacrilege, I know! I don't hate Emma, it's just that there are other books that I like better. The problem is Emma herself. She is so perfect that she is almost insufferable. She has wealth, beauty, and independence. She is the Queen Bee of her little world, and she knows it! However, Emma does realize her blind spots by the end of the novel, and everything wraps up satisfactorily.

One of Jane Austen's strengths is that she creates stories so excellently. Her novels always take place in the middle of a story, not the end. There are certain events that happened to create the situation in Emma, and the reader is left wondering what will happen at the end of the story. The story in Emma is about Emma Woodhouse, but it's intertwined with the story of poor Jane Fairfax, silly Harriet Smith, and the wayward Frank Churchill. I am drawn to Jane's story and would be interested in a companion book to Emma (written by a modern author) called Jane about the story of Jane Fairfax. I would love to hear the events of Emma from her point of view.

One final thing about Emma - the movie Clueless is loosely based on it. Clueless is one of my most favourite movies of all time. So, now, when I read Emma, I keep picturing the scenes from Clueless in my head!

#3 Sense and Sensibility
This is the first Jane Austen book that I read, and it still has a special place in my heart. Austen does an excellent job here of contrasting Elinor's sense with Marianne's sensibility - and showing that Elinor feels just as strongly as Marianne, but is better able to conceal her feelings.

I love the sisterly bond that Austen creates here - which is unique in all her books. Emma doesn't seem to have a close relationship with her sister, Elizabeth is close only to Jane (the rest are too silly), Fanny Price is separated from her sister, Catherine Norland's sisters don't really factor into the story, and Anne's sisters are terrible people! Of course, this kind of leaves out Margaret - but she is so much younger that she doesn't really factor into the story at all.

Again, the real story seems to have happened before Sense and Sensibility started with the events in Colonel Brandon's life. I would like to read more about his early life - but by a competent author! So far, I haven't read anything from an author based on Sense and Sensibility that is any good.

This is a good book. I love the sweeping romanticism of Marianne and the events with Willoughby. (Did Austen have a problem with a man whose name began with "W"?) And I love Elinor's strong feelings that she tries to hide behind a facade of good sense to be strong for her mother and sister. Fanny Dashwood joins Aunt Norris in the pantheon of Austen's great villians. And, of course, everything comes right in the end.

Also, the movie adaptation with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman is amazing. Go watch it right now.

#1: Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion
Yes, I have a tie at first place. Don't make me choose! I love both these books equally, and could not pick a single winner. Pride and Prejudice is a perfect novel. The characters, dialogue, plot - all are perfect. But Persuasion and the character of Anne Elliot have my heart.

First, then, Pride and Prejudice. This book is perfect. (Plus, isn't my lovely little copy divine!) The epic romance of Elizabeth and Darcy is one for the ages - their sparkling dialogue and wit makes me wish we talked like that nowadays. Sweet Jane, friendly Bingley, silly Lydia, and hateful Caroline Bingley are just a few of the memorable characters from this best known and best loved of Austen's novels. I can't say anything more than go read this book. It is a perfect English novel. I reread it quite often and notice new things each time. It is a charm and a delight.

The BBC adaptation with Jennifer Ehle and (swoon) Colin Firth is the THE definitive adaptation. Do not watch any others. Mmmm....Colin Firth swimming in the pond....

Sorry, drifted out there for a moment! The only problem with that BBC adaptation is that I've seen it so many times that I picture the actors from it when I'm reading the book. I suppose that's not really a bad thing...

Finally, Pride and Prejudice has what has to be one of the greatest opening lines in literature: "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

And, finally, Persuasion. I know this book is not everyone's cup of tea, but I love it. I love the character of Anne Elliot. Anne is gentle and quiet, easily persuaded because she doesn't have the power to cross the wants of other people. Elizabeth Bennet is someone I'd want to have in my circle of friends for her wit and generous heart. But Anne Elliot would be my best friend with her gentle good sense and loyalty.

Anne Elliot is a lovely girl who is surrounded by a silly and selfish father and sister. Parted from her great love by a well-intentioned mother-figure friend, she has not found another. I like that Anne is a little older than Austen's other heroines and that the book is more about love renewed, than first love. It is a quieter book than Pride and Prejudice - autumn to its spring. But the love story in it is just as passionate as that of Elizabeth and Darcy - more so, maybe for the years separating the characters. The final climatic scene with the exchange of letters is tense and exciting - and it's just an exchange of letters! It is just another example of Austen's terrific writing style.

I value Pride and Prejudice as a witty acquaintance who makes me smile. I love Persuasion as a gentle friend who tells me her heart.

So, there you have it, faithful readers, my favourite Austens. What's your ranking? Disagree? Agree? Is Colin Firth the best Darcy of all time? Is that just a silly question? Debate in the comments below!

Reading Resolutions

Hello readers and happy 2011! I trust the after-effects from any New Year's festivities have worn off now, and you're set and ready to make some reading resolutions for the New Year.

I do generally make resolutions, but this will be the first time I've made resolutions with regards to books specifically. However, I'd like to ensure I get a chance to read new and exciting books and not just the same-old, same-old - but also read some of the classics as well.

1. Read more Canadian Authors
I don't read very many Canadian authors, unless Lucy Maud Montgomery counts! But there are some excellent ones out there: Sandra Gulland, Will Ferguson, Monica Hughes, and Pauline Gedge, to name a few. But I also would like to read more books about Canada: both fiction and non-fiction. I think the Canada Reads books will be a good place to start: I have two at home right now, so I'll be reading those soon.

2. Find New and Exciting Science Fiction/Fantasy
Last year, I tried to find new historical novel authors. That did not always work out well. This year, I'd like to focus more on sci-fi/fantasy. I do enjoy those genres and there are some great writers who work in this field. Then, I can concentrate on the historical authors I like, while still getting some new books to read.

3. Read more Bestsellers
Now, I'm not getting all Oprah on you here: I usually deplore any book she picks for her show. But I could stand to read some of the new books that are coming out and actually be current in books too. I think I will start with the Entertainment Weekly list of top 10 fiction and non-fiction books in 2010. (Although I think I just lent that issue to a friend. Hopefully the lists are on-line!) There were some interesting looking books on those lists, and I would like to actually read them, instead of just thinking about how good the books list and then putting the magazine down, wandering off, and reading Agatha Christie for the 43rd time.

4. Read more Teen Fiction
There is some neat stuff happening in teen fiction now and some of it is really great. I particularly like the House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast, and another series about historical magic series by Libba Bray. There are new books in both of these series that I need to catch up on and maybe I'll find some new authors as well. And, maybe I'll even give Twilight another go.

5. Read a classic, or two
I've read a few of the classics: mostly the ones I had to read for school and mostly those by Jane Austen! But I could stand to read some of the other classics out there - they are classics for a reason, right? I'm thinking books like War and Peace, Anna Karenina, anything by Dickens, Mark Twain, etc.. Any suggestions on where to start?

Well, I think these are some good resolutions for the new year. Hopefully I will get some good reads out of these ideas and maybe find some really fabulous authors who will become some new favourites. At the very least, I now have somewhere to start when I'm standing around my house (filled with multiple bookshelves!) saying, "There's nothing to read!"

Top 10 of 2010

There is something about the end of the year that compels people to make lists, and I am no different. Here is my list of the Top 10 Books I read in 2010 (and discussed on the blog).

#10. My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud'homme (June 24th)
I read a number of Julia Child-related books this year, and I think this one was my favourite. As it was co-written by Julia, her earthy and humourous voice came across really well. She had two passions: cooking and her husband Paul. Theirs was a love match for the ages.

#9. The Sleeping Beauty by Mercedes Lackey (July 28th)
This is more of an homage to all of the books is Mercedes Lackey's 500 Kingdoms series. I love the fantastical twists on standard fairy tales, and Lackey's spirited heroines. She draws connections between different fairy tales that I would never have thought of. Enjoyable and fun reads.

#8. Frederica by Georgette Heyer (July 7th)
For all the Austen fans out there wishing she wrote more books, Heyer is a close substitute. Unlike many authors of historical fiction, Heyer gets the tone, settings, and surroundings absolutely right. Maybe she's discovered time travel and managed to go back in time? Her books are that accurate. And Frederica is a charm: the titular heroine is spirited and witty. A lovely afternoon read.

#7. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (July 27th)
I love Jasper Fforde! His books are crazy, weird and fun, and I am dying to find out what happens in his new Shades of Grey series. But begin with The Eyre Affair: it pulls you in immediately as you embrace the wonderful weirdness of Thursday Next's world. And, fellow book lovers, how many of you have secretly wondered if there is a way to get inside a book - The Eyre Affair is the closest I'll get until I can bookjump myself.

#6. Enter A Murderer by Ngaio Marsh (July 14th)
I was fortunate enough to get introduced to Ngaio Marsh this year and immediately fell in love. For mystery fans wanting an Agatha Christie alternative, this is it! I enjoyed the first book, but I liked this one slightly more - Marsh really seemed to settle into her series and I enjoy all of the theatrical references. Marsh was very active in the theatrical world and her special insight into that realm give her books a different vibe than Christie's. Plus, Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn seems like he'd be a really lovely man to hang out with - I'd like a movie adaptation with Colin Firth as the handsome detective, please!

#5. Defend the Realm: Authorized History of MI5 by Christopher Andrew (August 9th)
This was a massive book to get through, but it was well worth it. I enjoyed learning about the growth and development of MI5, and it gave me a lot of ideas of other topics to read about. A word of advice to those attempting to read this behemoth: go slowly, and keep in mind that MI5 is the main character - the spies, directors and other named people come and go, but MI5 endures, grows, and triumphs.

#4. Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner (August 21st)
I really, really, enjoyed this fascinating non-fiction read. The authors connect ideas and interpret data in really interesting ways. The sequel wasn't quite as good, but if you want to blow your mind, try the original. It will make you think.

#3. Brainiac by Ken Jennings (August 21st)
As a trivia nerd, how could I leave this one out? Ken Jennings is practically my hero for his amazing run on Jeopardy! And in this book, he comes across as the nicest, kindest, most self-deprecating man you've ever met. He is definitely someone you'd want for a neighbour: think vaguely Ned Flanderish but with a brilliant brain. But the book isn't all about Ken - he intertwines his story of how he got on Jeopardy! with the history of trivia. And, he even intersperses little trivia nuggets along the way. This is a great book for trivia nerds: and those that live with them.

#2. Chalice by Robin McKinley (October 12th)
Yes, I'd read Chalice before when I read it again for the blog, but was equally entranced both times. The world is so complete - you are pulled in with the main character and learn with her as she learns about her new role and the powers affecting her kingdom. Most of McKinley's fantasy books are one-offs: but I want more about this lovely world and the intriguing characters in it.

#1. Becoming Queen by Kate Williams (September 14th)
Typically for me, my favourite book of 2010 is a non-fiction history book! But don't let that scare you - this book reads like a novel, except that it's all true! Williams weaves together the lives of two princesses, Charlotte and Victoria, both destined to be Queen. One princess's life ends in tragedy, the other, in love and success. It was Williams' portrayal of Charlotte that I truly loved: I did not know much about this important Hanoverian princess until I read the book. As the young girl who was destined to be Queen, she was of great importance to the nation, and even loved by her people. She had a terrible upbringing, and grew up strong-willed and confident. Her Queenship is one of the most intriguing might-have-beens of history. I also thought I knew everything about Queen Victoria, but discovered new things in seeing her story juxtaposed alongside Charlotte's. A lovely story about two very similar young women in similar situations.


It's been a great 2010 for books, readers! What are your favourites of 2010? Any recommendations for 2011? I've enjoyed reading, writing, and ranting with you. Have a Happy and safe New Year, and keep reading!

Happy Birthday!

Today is Agatha Christie’s birthday. In honour of her birthday, I have decided to compile a list of my top 10 favourite Agatha Christie novels. These are not necessarily her best works of fiction, but are the ones I consider are my favourite. They are in order from 10 at the bottom to 1 at the top.


10. Sparkling Cyanide
Christie occasionally wrote mysteries without her most famous sleuths, Poirot and Marple. This is one such mystery. The novel does, however, feature Colonel Race (seen also in Cards on the Table). Beautiful, wealthy, and silly Rosemary Barton died suddenly one evening from cyanide in her champagne while out at a fancy restaurant. One year later, her fellow dinner guests cannot stop thinking about Rosemary, including her stodgy old husband George and intelligent young sister Iris. While the death was officially called a suicide, George receives anonymous letters stating that it was murder. He decides to recreate the crime with tragic effects – he too is murdered. Who murdered Rosemary and George? Who will protect Iris, now the heiress to her sister’s immense fortune? The mystery is almost secondary in this novel, as it seems to revolve instead around the relationship between Rosemary and Iris and Rosemary’s effect on the other characters. While the character of Rosemary is not alive during the novel, her character permeates the whole book; thereby emphasizing Poirot’s common dictum: the character of the person murdered determines why they were murdered.

9. The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side
In addition to writing splendid weekend country house murders with Poirot, Christie also wrote excellent country village murders with the celebrated spinster sleuth, Miss Jane Marple. Christie adds in some international flavour to this village mystery with the arrival of the famous film star, Marina Gregg. When Heather Badcock, a local village busybody and do-gooder, dies unexpectedly at Marina’s party, Marina is sure the poisoned cocktail was meant for her. Miss Marple must use her extensive knowledge of village parallels to find the killer. Christie writes well and soundly of village life in England and the class structure peculiar to it.

8. They Do It With Mirrors
In this Marple novel, Miss Marple must go to an English country house to help her old school friend, Carrie Louise. Carrie Louise has married (multiple times) and her latest husband is a philanthropist bent on reforming the world. Part of this reformation includes a reform school for troubled criminal boys right on the grounds! When Carrie Louise’s stepson is murdered, Miss Marple must determine if it was the criminal element, or if the usual village parallels will help to solve the mystery. I enjoyed this story because it was a glimpse into Miss Marple’s youth. We usually think of her as a “pink and white, fluffy little old lady”, so it is nice to get some insight into her younger years.

7. Sad Cypress
This Poirot mystery involves a young heiress, her fiancé, a beautiful young village girl, and an elderly and wealthy aunt. What is different about this mystery is that Poirot doesn’t come in until after the suspect, Elinor, has been charged with and put on trial for the crime. Therefore, we get some interesting court drama as Poirot solves the mystery. There is also an unusual, dream-like quality to most of Elinor’s reflections when she thinks about the day of the crime which is intriguing as well.

6. Death on the Nile
Poirot solved several cases in the Middle East, but this is my favourite of them all. It has a wide cast of characters: jilted lover, unhappy daughter, alcoholic mother, the beautiful and wealthy bride, and a shifty lawyer, among others. The crime takes place on a boat going down the Nile. This, of course, limits the potential murderers and makes it a twist on the usual country-house murder. This novel has a larger cast of characters than the usual Christie murder, but she manages them all well and the conclusion is dramatic and satisfying. (Do, however, avoid the 1978 film of the same name – yes it is based on the work but omits a number of characters and Poirot is played by Peter Ustinov. The definitive Poirot will always be the television Poirot – David Suchet.)

5. Five Little Pigs
Christie wrote several mysteries in which Poirot had to go back and solve a crime which had happened years, even decades, earlier. This is Poirot’s best. Carla Lemarchant’s mother, Caroline, was sent to prison for killing her father, Amyas, when Carla was just a child. Caroline died in prison, but not before writing a letter indicating her innocence. There are just 5 other suspects: neighbours and brothers Philip Blake and Meredith Blake; the governess Miss Williams; Caroline’s half sister Angela Warren; and the mistress, Elsa Greer. Poirot must use all his ingenuity to solve a case where the murder happened over 20 years ago. The physical clues are all gone – only the psychological remain. A good story for those who enjoy Poirot’s particular brand of psychological sleuthing.

4. The ABC Murders
Poirot and Hastings (recently returned from the Argentine) must team up to stop a ruthless killer who is murdering victims alphabetically. At first glance, the reader thinks that this is an unusual mystery for Christie, given her penchant for private, in-home murders with a small circle of suspects. However, when the reader finishes the novel, he or she will realize that this isn’t different from Christie’s usual works at all! I enjoy this book because of the more public aspect of the murders, which lends it a more sinister tone than most of her works. Also, Christie departs from her usual practice of having Hastings narrate by interspersing his narrative with excerpts from a strange young man, thereby amping up the tension even further.

3. Cards on the Table
This mystery is a true Christie puzzle. Four sleuths (Poirot, Ariadne Oliver, Colonel Race, Superintendent Battle), four suspects (Anne Meredith, Mrs. Lorrimer, Dr. Roberts, Major Despard), one death (Mr. Shaitana) – which takes place during a game of bridge. One of the four must have killed him, but who? Poirot must work with the other sleuths and use the evidence of the bridge scores to find the killer. A nice little puzzle mystery: very psychological and requires much use of the “little grey cells”!

2. Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case
The title here is self-evident – it is the last case on which Poirot and Hastings will ever work. It has it all; several mysteries, an interesting cast of characters, tragedy, and lashings of tension and atmosphere. This is another Christie that will keep you up at night just for the sense of pure evil you get while reading the book. Christie wrote this book during to World War Two to provide an ending to her Poirot series, in case she would be killed in the war. As she became older and unable to write, she authorized the book’s publication in 1975. This leads to some interesting chronological differences, as Christie wrote her last Poirot novel in 1972.

1. And Then There Were None
(Also published under various less politically correct names that I will not mention here.)
For me, this is the ultimate scary Christie. The whole novel seethes with an aura of palpable tension. This is not a Poirot, Marple, or any other Christie sleuth mystery. It stands alone. 10 different individuals are brought to Indian (or Soldier) Island. Each of these 10 individuals has a secret – a dark and dangerous secret. Then the murders begin. One by one the island guests are killed in ways corresponding to the poem 10 Little Soldiers. Who has trapped these 10 people on the island? Who is systematically murdering them? The dark and scary atmosphere of the novel will keep you up at night as you read through it, trying to answer those questions. This novel is my favourite Christie – scary, terrifying, and a nice twisty mystery to boot.


There you have it, faithful readers, my countdown of favourite Christies. Agree? Disagree? Did I miss your favourite Christie? Let me know what you think, and celebrate today by reading an Agatha Christie novel. Next up for me, Sad Cypress.

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day everyone! In honour of this holiday celebrating our nation, I thought I would post a list of my top 5 favourite Canadian authors. When I set out to make the list, I was thinking I would try and make it inclusive - include Canadians from all across the country and all ethnicities. Then I thought - hey, I'm not the government! This is my list and reflects my thoughts.

#5 Gordon Korman
Who in elementary school did not have to read a Gordon Korman book? And then immediately read the rest of them too, just because they were so funny. He is best known, and best loved, for his Bruno and Boots/Macdonald Hall series. Mr. Korman wrote the first of those books as a Grade 7 English project and his career blossomed from there. I read and enjoyed the Bruno and Boots series and several other of Mr. Korman's books, including I Want to go Home, but my favourite has to be Losing Joe's Place. In this book, Jason and his friends move into Jason's brother's apartment for the summer and hilarity ensues - including something about a chocolate dessert with uncooked eggs in it.... This book is my favourite for purely sentimental reasons. It was read to the class by my Grade 6 teacher. The next year I would be moving on to Junior High, where teachers didn't necessarily read to their students. There was nothing better than a Friday afternoon when the teacher would pull out the book and read to us until the end of the day; the essence of childhood right there. Thank you, Mr. Korman, for your entertaining and enjoyable books.

#4 Pauline Gedge
Pauline Gedge is a Canadian writer who doesn't write about Canada at all. Instead, Ms. Gedge transports to the reader to that most unique and interesting of places, Ancient Egypt. Her books are well-written and meticulously detailed. She brings you to Ancient Egypt so that you feel you are there among the Pharaohs and pyramids. And she does this all from small-town Alberta. Ms. Gedge also has dabbled in Gothic (The Covenant), Ancient Celts (The Eagle and the Raven), and Sci-fi (Stargate), but my favourites from her will always be her Egyptian novels. My two favourite are Child of the Morning and Twelfth Transforming.

#3 Sandra Gulland
Sandra Gulland is yet another Canadian writer who doesn't write about Canada either. Instead, Ms. Gulland brings Empress Josephine (wife of Napoleon Bonaparte) brilliantly to life in her Josephine trilogy. These books are written as the diary of Josephine and cover her life from a young girl growing up in the sugar plantations of the West Indies, through to her marriage to a nobleman and experiences during the French Revolution where her husband was guillotined and she was imprisoned, to her life as wife to Napoleon and Empress of the French. Josephine was an interesting and complex woman, and Ms. Gulland really captures what she must have been like. Of the trilogy, my favourite is the first: The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. Ms. Gulland has also written about Louise de la Valliere, a mistress of Louis XIV. For me, it is not as strong as her Josephine work, but still enjoyable.

#2 Monica Hughes
I was introduced to science fiction by Monica Hughes, and since then I have never looked back. And while her books may be more suited for a young adult audience, they still hold up today. She will always be one of my favourite sci-fi authors. She wrote many books, but I have two particular favourites. The first is The Tomorrow City, about the city of the future and what happens when something goes wrong, and Invitation to the Game, about young people trying to survive in a crowded and overpopulated world struggling with mass unemployment, when they receive an invitation to a mysterious game. Both books are inventive and have strong storylines and intriguing characters. Good books for readers of all ages.

#1 Lucy Maud Montgomery
Many of the other authors on this list have special memories for me relating to my childhood. Lucy Maud Montgomery was my childhood. I have read every book of hers (and own almost all of them) from Anne of Green Gables to Jane of Lantern Hill. Her dreamy, romantic tales were the building blocks for my childhood imaginings. I wanted to be like Anne, like Emily. I too had a bosom friend and kept a journal of poems. I adored all of her books and spent a whole day in Prince Edward Island going to everything Montgomery related, from her birthplace in New London, to the Lake of Shining Waters, Green Gables and her grave outside Cavendish. I read Ms. Montgomery's journals when I was a little older and was surprised to find out how little happiness she had in her own personal life. Her stories reflect the happy endings she was denied. That is not to say her stories are devoid of any depth: there are dark themes in her work. But overall her characters receive the happy endings they deserve. As for a favourite - I can't pick just one! Whatever mood I'm in, there's a Montgomery book for it. I love Anne, Emily, Marigold, Pat, Valancy, Jane and all the other residents of her fictional universe. Ms. Montgomery was a complex and passionate individual with an amazing talent for writing beautiful stories. She is my favourite Canadian author.


Those are my top 5 Canadian authors. Now go read them! Happy Canada Day Everyone!