Set in the early 1950s in Montreal, this is the story of enigmatic Peggy Sanderson--a woman who has become a socially awkward presence due to her open and casual association with black musicians in Lower Town nightclubs. White and black men assume she must be involved sexually with the musicians, white women are perplexed by her, and black women both fear and loathe her. Yet Peggy's almost guileless sense of ease is at complete variance with these assumptions and attitudes. When Jim McAlpine, a writer and journalistically engaged intellectual, falls in love with her, lives are ruined and careers are broken. Taking place before the civil rights movement, this tragic story explores race relations with great moral complexity and compassion.
After reading this book, I have a newfound appreciation for this author. The way he juxtaposes racial segregation with a relationship between two caucasians, one who has a unique fondness for negroes in a very prejudiced 1950's Montreal, leaves readers spellbound. After awhile, you feel as if you are in the book yourself, looking on as the characters and the plot develop. By the time I made it to the climax of the story, i was in tears, and I felt every emotion that the characters in the book felt. This truly is one of Morley Callaghan's best novels, and deserves the governor General's award that it received, if not more than that.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.