Aspects of David Adams Richards' Fictional World

This book **approaches David Adams Richards' work by focusing on the evolution of the fictional world shared by his 18 novels.

Autorentext

William Connor has an M.A. and a Ph.D. in English from the University of New Brunswick and an M.A. in journalism from Western University. He is currently Full Professor in English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta. His publications include critical books, writing textbooks, anthologies and articles.

Klappentext

This book approaches David Adams Richards work by focusing on the evolution of the fictional world shared by his 18 novels. This world is arguably the most distinctive feature of Richards fiction. Along with the narrative strategies he employs to capture it, Richards fictional world develops steadily over the course of his long career, and while always rooted in his native Miramichi Region of New Brunswick, it gradually evolves to include many other geographical areas and diverse social milieus. Because Richards fictional world is as much a set of values and convictions about the human condition as a representation of the material world, understanding where individual novels fit in its development provides a valuable perspective on each. With highly original recurring characters maturing from their teen years to old age in the background, his novels reflect perceptively on social and cultural trends from the mid-twentieth century on. As well as exploring the development of this fictional world, the book identifies other potentially fruitful approaches to Richards work. It is written primarily for academics, graduate students, and senior undergraduate English specialists interested in Richards fiction, but it is designed to be accessible for high school teachers teaching Richards novels and for dedicated fans of his writing, as well.

Inhalt

Preface Introduction Foundations of the Fictional World Fundamental Features of the Fictional World Discovering the Fictional World: The First Trilogy Road to the Stilt House: A Transitional Novel The Second Trilogy Emergence of the Supernatural The Fictional World in the Twenty- First Century Personal History I Personal History II Crimes and Mysteries I Crimes and Mysteries II: Richards' Concluding Trilogy Future Considerations Selected Bibliography Index.