Alistair MacLeod

Alistair MacLeod was a Canadian author known for his short stories and his novel 'No Great Mischief,' which was published in 1999. Born on July 20, 1936, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, MacLeod's work is often associated with the Cape Breton and Nova Scotian identity. His writing is celebrated for its rich character development and detailed depiction of the landscape and culture of his native land. MacLeod was also a professor of English at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. He passed away on April 20, 2014.

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.

  1. 1. The Lost Salt Gift Of Blood

    Cover of 'The Lost Salt Gift Of Blood' by Alistair MacLeod

    The collection of short stories delves into the lives of individuals from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, exploring the deep connections between the rugged landscape and the people who inhabit it. The narratives are woven with themes of isolation, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the bittersweet pull of tradition versus the desire for change. Through evocative prose, the stories capture the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which the characters' lives are inextricably linked to the land and the sea, revealing the profound impact of heritage on personal identity and the universal quest for belonging.

    The 6113th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. No Great Mischief

    Cover of 'No Great Mischief' by Alistair MacLeod

    The novel delves into the complexities of family bonds, identity, and the enduring impact of heritage through the story of the MacDonald clan, whose roots trace back to 18th-century Scotland. As the protagonist reflects on his life, from his childhood in Cape Breton Island to the present, he grapples with the weight of his ancestry and the tragedies that have befallen his family. The narrative weaves together past and present, exploring how the characters' Scottish legacy shapes their experiences in the harsh landscape of Canada, and how the refrain "All of us are better when we're loved" captures the essence of their interconnectedness and resilience.

    The 8941st Greatest Book of All Time