Comments on: Annabel, by Kathleen Winter

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 18:21:57 +0000

Shastri: I am afraid that poetic or lyric language is low on my list of reading priorities — I would agree that Michaels and Ondaatje are good examples, but I also have to admit that that very feature of their writing is a problem that I have with both. I’m hoping that some other visitors here, who appreciate that aspect of writing more than I do, might come up with some suggestions.

By: Shastri

Shastri — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:56:22 +0000

I adored this novel. I especially liked the way she used language. It is something many-a Canadian writers in particular excel at. Anne Michaels in Fugitive Pieces and Winter Vault, and of course, Michael Ondatje in all of his works. Are there any other Canadian writers you can suggest, Kevin, who use language in unusual and beautiful ways, almost collapsing the boundaries between prose and poetry? I am currently doing an MFA at UMass and would like to create a study group around Canadian writing of this nature

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:33:33 +0000

Glad that you liked it, Deb. It is a very good novel.

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:53:17 +0000

I hate to say this but normally I don’t read a lot of Canadian authors but this book was amazing. Had it read in two days. The characters were believable and treated with respect for their individuality. No one was totally good or bad or perfect or imperfect. As someone who has only managed to get to Newfoundland once Ms. Winters bought me back there again with her vivid descriptions. She reminded me of my favorite author Maeve Binchy who’s write her characters so well you feel you have actually met them.
Her descriptions of the Labrador makes me want to visit it in the future.

I hope we will see more from Ms. Winters

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:17:41 +0000

Margaret: I don’t think the Shadow Jury would be unhappy if this turns out to be the Real Jury’s choice. It is a very good novel.

By: margaret dorval

margaret dorval — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:46:19 +0000

Having finished Annabel earlier this morning I wish to cast my Giller vote for Winter. To be fair I should read at least one more of the finalist novels but I am certain Annabel is a worthy contender.

By: KIRBC Interview with Kathleen Winter « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club

KIRBC Interview with Kathleen Winter « The Keepin’ It Real Book Club — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:58:22 +0000

[...] herself. This interview is the last stop on her blog tour, and you can read other great posts at Kevin from Canada, Serendipitous Readings, Kate’s Book Blog, SaltyInk, and [...]

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:57:46 +0000

Isabel: I know that you like “cold-weather” novels to offset your steamy New Orleans summer and I think this one qualifies. While only parts of it are set in Labrador winter, even Newfoundland summers are cool by your standards.

By: Isabel

Isabel — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:33:06 +0000

I enjoyed both your review and Kathleen Winter’s post.

I love reading about the Canadian wilds and need to find this novel.

By: maggie

maggie — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:54:46 +0000

Always enjoy the reviews here as they give a fair chunk of the author’s own writing – I will be ordering this book as well as the E.M. Forster immediately for my library!
As a former rural Nflder. who went on to urban living – I’m intrigued by the premise.
It’s timely also with the rural South African runner Semenya’s alleged possible intersex identity causing dilemmas last year. (Thankfully, she got to keep her medal.)
This book in a competition right now along with many other excellent books to be the “Atlantic Canada Reads” pick. Voting closes tomorrow at midnight. The contest is sponsored by a Nfld. blog, Saltyink – great one for those wanting to learn more about Atlantic Can books.
Review of Annabel on there:

http://saltyink.com/2000/06/17/2010-atlantic-canada-reads-laura-repas-defends-kathleen-winters-annabel/