So I guess I’d better get the blog up to date in case there’s a story in the offing, eh?
I’ve been continuing with my CanLit Challenge despite my lack of recent blog posting (the reasons it stalled for a bit were unrelated to the Challenge). Last year, I set up a Goodreads group so that others could join in, and we’re hovering at about 75 members. I’m currently reading Book #49, Literary Lapses by Stephen Leacock. Stay tuned and I’ll post all the books in between #38 and #48.
Book 20, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town (1912) – Stephen Leacock
From the back cover:
“Affectionately combining both the idyllic and the ironic, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is Stephen Leacock’s most beloved book. Set in fictional Mariposa, an Ontario town on the shore of Lake Wissanotti, these sketches present a remarkable range of characters: some irritating, some exasperating, some foolhardy, but all endearing. Painted with the skilful brushstrokes of a great comic artist, the delightful inhabitants of Mariposa represent the people of small towns everywhere.
As fresh, funny, and insightful today as when it was first published in 1912, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is Stephen Leacock at his best — colourful, imaginative, and throroughly entertaining.“
Other useful links:
the Wikipedia article on Stephen Leacock
the Wikipedia article on Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town
the Wikipedia article on the fictional town of Mariposa
the Wikipedia article on Orillia, Ontario, the model for Mariposa
a biographical sketch on Stephen Leacock at the National Library of Canada’s website
recent article in The Winnipeg Free Press about the Leacock family
My thoughts:
I was prepared to like this book but not to love it — my general feeling about the companion book, Arcadian Adventures. However, I found myself liking this one even more. The first chapter/sketch was a little slow and not so humourous but I found it improved immensely from there on in. Of course everyone talks out The Marine Excursion (i.e. the chapter about The Mariposa Belle) and yes, it was laugh out loud funny, but I think my favourite story was about The Reverend Mr. Drone and the Beacon on the Hill. Of course the ever-resourceful Mr Smith to the rescue again! I thought it bogged down a little in the election parts (to have it just a bit shorter would have been fine) but still amusing and apropos to today’s politics. I also really enjoyed the final chapter, with its nostalgia and poignancy. I’ll definitely read more of Leacock and at least parts of this book will be joining my list of all-time favourite humourous lit.
Book 13, Arcadian Adventures with the Idle Rich (1914) – Stephen Leacock
From the back cover:
“First published in 1914, Arcadian Adventures with the Idle Rich swept the continent. Of the many books by Canada’s most celebrated humorist, none has received more acclaim than his brilliant, caustic treatment of the glittering rich who gather at the Mausoleum Club on Plutoria Avenue.
Today, Leacock’s pointed satire of the privileged class, and their social abuses and pretences, retains every ounce of its freshness and bite. An undisputed comic masterpiece, Arcadian Adventures with the Idle Rich reveals a depth of compassionate criticism rare in Leacock’s writings.”
Other useful links:
the Wikipedia article on Stephen Leacock
a biographical sketch on Stephen Leacock at the National Library of Canada’s website
recent article in The Winnipeg Free Press about the Leacock family
My thoughts:
Honestly, I was expecting this to be funnier than it was. I mean so much is made of Stephen Leacock and his humour, I was kind of expecting a Canadian P.G. Wodehouse or something. So in that sense it was a little disappointing.
However, there was plenty of really good satire that still rings true today. And there were many times when I did laugh out loud at the absurdities portrayed and the amusing way Leacock words things. It’s remarkable how little changes. What Leacock satirized in 1914 (following closely in the footsteps of Dickens) is the same kind of stuff pilloried by the likes of Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Rick Mercer (sans topical current events–Leacock takes more of a timeless approach).
As I understand this is really a sister volume to Sunshine Sketches, I’m looking forward to reading that and getting a sense of the whole picture.
It would be difficult to give examples or describe it because just stating it outright takes all the humour out. Anyway, as with most good satire, it’s sad at the same time as it’s funny–because it’s so close to reality.