Michael Crummey
Michael Crummey is a Canadian poet and novelist known for his works that often explore the history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. His notable novels include 'River Thieves', 'The Wreckage', and 'Sweetland'.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. River Thieves
Set in the early 19th century, this historical novel intricately weaves a tale of cultural collision and survival on the rugged coast of Newfoundland. It follows the lives of European settlers and the indigenous Beothuk people, exploring themes of misunderstanding, conflict, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through the eyes of a diverse cast of characters, the narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships and the harsh realities of colonial expansion, ultimately painting a poignant picture of a world on the brink of irrevocable change.
The 8338th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Adversary
Set in a remote Newfoundland outport, this darkly comic, folklore-tinged novel follows a bitter feud whose shockwaves entangle families and neighbors; across seasons of storms, scarcity, and hard bargains, the community confronts love, violence, and superstition, and the rivalry slowly hardens into legend even as unexpected grace and tenderness pierce the harshness of life by the North Atlantic.
The 13245th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
3. Galore
Set in a remote Newfoundland fishing village, this novel weaves a tapestry of myth, magic, and the harsh realities of life in a rugged landscape. Spanning over a century, it chronicles the intertwined lives of two families, the Sellers and the Devines, whose fates are forever altered by the mysterious appearance of a man found alive inside the belly of a whale. The story explores themes of love, revenge, and survival, blending folklore with the stark truths of human existence, as generations grapple with the burdens of their ancestors and the relentless forces of nature.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. Sweetland
Set against the backdrop of a remote island off the coast of Newfoundland, this poignant narrative follows the life of an aging fisherman who refuses to abandon his ancestral home despite government incentives to relocate. As the community around him dwindles, he grapples with memories, isolation, and the haunting presence of the past. The story weaves together themes of resilience, identity, and the profound connection to place, painting a vivid portrait of a man determined to hold onto his roots in the face of inevitable change.
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5. Pobojowisko
Set in the rugged and remote landscapes of Newfoundland, this evocative novel delves into the intertwined lives of a small, isolated community grappling with the harsh realities of survival and the deep-seated bonds that both unite and divide them. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, capturing the raw beauty and unforgiving nature of the environment as it shapes the destinies of its inhabitants. The characters' struggles and triumphs are poignantly portrayed, offering a profound reflection on the human condition and the enduring spirit of those who call this unforgiving land home.
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6. Dostatek
Set in a remote Newfoundland fishing village, the story unfolds over several generations, exploring the intertwined lives of its resilient inhabitants. The narrative begins with the mysterious arrival of a shipwrecked stranger, who becomes a catalyst for change and conflict within the tight-knit community. As the villagers grapple with the harsh realities of their environment and the complexities of human relationships, themes of survival, love, and the passage of time are woven into a rich tapestry of folklore and history. The novel captures the essence of a place where the line between myth and reality blurs, and where the past continually shapes the present.
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7. The Innocents
Set in the rugged and isolated landscape of Newfoundland, this poignant tale follows the lives of two orphaned siblings, Ada and Evered, as they navigate the harsh realities of survival in the early 19th century. Left to fend for themselves after the untimely death of their parents, the siblings rely on their resilience and deep bond to endure the unforgiving elements and the challenges of growing up in solitude. As they grapple with the mysteries of adulthood and the complexities of their relationship, the story explores themes of innocence, survival, and the profound connection between humans and the natural world.
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