Grief, Memory, Three O’clock in the Morning brought back the memory of how I came know the writing of Mavis Gallant.
Over 40 years ago, my older brother, Dave, died of cancer at age 40. It was a terrible loss to our family. He was an extraordinary man of high intelligence and deep humility.
I wasn’t much like him. I have always been a pathetically slow reader, and therefore, shall we say, underachieved somewhat in school I can honestly say I did not read a book for pleasure until I was in my 20’s. I still remember the stress of trying to finish a book in time to do the book report, being the very last one to hand in an exam, my stomach churning when the assignment was to read chapter 1 to 3 for tomorrow. Anyway, when I finished school at last, and started reading without anxiety, Dave would make a point of starting a discussion about what I liked or didn’t about a novel. He helped me see that being a slow reader didn’t make me slow.
.
Dave was a big supporter of Canadian literature long before it was in vogue. It was a time when I thought it was our duty to read Canadian writers, but actually they probably weren’t that great. He had helped with a project at the U of A English department and as a little perk, they gave him a collection of books by Canadian authors. He chose a copy of From The Fifteenth District and gave it to me, saying that he thought Mavis Gallant’s writing was something I’d enjoy. I had never heard of her and actually shelved the book, thinking it was probably stories about lonely loons in Algonquin Park or trudging to a barn in a blizzard. (Not that we Canadians ever stereotype).
Long after he died, I noticed it on my bookshelf and took it down to read. I was blown away, not only by her exquisite writing, but by Dave’s insight that I would be touched by it. I wish I had read it when he was alive. I would have thanked him, told him how much I liked it, and we could have sat down with a glass of brandy in comfortable chairs, and discussed post war Europe and human beings, until maybe three in the morning.
Your Mavis Gallant project is a lovely thing, Bill, and I thank you for your work.
So much love to you, Bill. Thank you for this celebration, investigation all wrapped in your brilliant imagination. Happy Birthday--please celebrate your fine self, along with MG. I'll miss you both--the daily diary entries have been sustaining. My love to you, dear one. xoxo
How lucky MG was to have an appreciator like you. And how wonderful it is to think of how a writer's work can touch one, as yours has others.
I do hope a version of this personal reader's memoir finds its way to print. It's such a unique project, certainly interesting for its research into MG's life, times, friends, acquaintances and odds and sods, its analysis and speculation about the work, its discursive biographies of side characters, and its introspection on your own life and how and how the roles of reader and writer intertwine.
It's been great fun following your always engaging, often funny, and sometimes moving project through to its completion. Thanks!
This project has been brilliant, from beginning to end. And the Compline Service was very moving. The initial organ piece (Rhosymedre) I can never hear without tears, so I was a goner from the get-go. The tone of the service reminded me of that long-ago window with the candle-lit ladles. Respect for meaning; serious delight in beauty. All wrapped up and put away with the knotty fugue. Thanks so much for it all, Bill. We're lucky to know you.
How can we thank you enough Bill, except to say Thanks for your incredible intellect, inspiration and for caring enough to keep Mavis Gallant’s memory alive through your words. Reading your posts each day brought me laughter and now a bit more knowledge of her life. Happy belated birthday to you.
Happy Birthday Bill and thank you for the energy and love and kindness you invested in your chronicles about MG and the many intersecting stories along the way. It was a pleasure to tag along
Happy Birthday Bill, you've done a wonderful job with your blog and the beautiful Compline. I will miss you, but it was great while it lasted. I hope to see more writing in the future, when you are rested!!
The Compline was beautiful, simply beautiful. And splendid too. Brought back so many memories. Thank you so much Bill for recording it for us far-away folk.
Happy Birthday Bill, and thank you for this resurrection and celebration of MG. Will miss your MG musings. Hope to see more of your writing out in the world.
What a wonderful way to spend an evening. Thank you for sharing. I also love your blogs and will so miss them. Please do more and yes, write those already produced into some form that I can have as a keep sake. I am gathering MG's works and reading voraciously. Thank you for this whole experience.
Splendid, simply splendid! Thank you for sharing the service with those of us across Canada, around the world.
Yes, Mavis was there; those blazing-gold sunflowers lured her into the building. That fellow was one of the hundreds of unnamed characters who populate her noisy story-streets and buildings. Last night he was with you; tonight he wanders elsewhere, perhaps into another story like yours.
Bill, thank you so much for celebrating Mavis Gallant. It took dedication, a lot of time, a deep appreciation, the heart-felt knowledge that SOMETHING had to be done, and so, so much love.
Grief, Memory, Three O’clock in the Morning brought back the memory of how I came know the writing of Mavis Gallant.
Over 40 years ago, my older brother, Dave, died of cancer at age 40. It was a terrible loss to our family. He was an extraordinary man of high intelligence and deep humility.
I wasn’t much like him. I have always been a pathetically slow reader, and therefore, shall we say, underachieved somewhat in school I can honestly say I did not read a book for pleasure until I was in my 20’s. I still remember the stress of trying to finish a book in time to do the book report, being the very last one to hand in an exam, my stomach churning when the assignment was to read chapter 1 to 3 for tomorrow. Anyway, when I finished school at last, and started reading without anxiety, Dave would make a point of starting a discussion about what I liked or didn’t about a novel. He helped me see that being a slow reader didn’t make me slow.
.
Dave was a big supporter of Canadian literature long before it was in vogue. It was a time when I thought it was our duty to read Canadian writers, but actually they probably weren’t that great. He had helped with a project at the U of A English department and as a little perk, they gave him a collection of books by Canadian authors. He chose a copy of From The Fifteenth District and gave it to me, saying that he thought Mavis Gallant’s writing was something I’d enjoy. I had never heard of her and actually shelved the book, thinking it was probably stories about lonely loons in Algonquin Park or trudging to a barn in a blizzard. (Not that we Canadians ever stereotype).
Long after he died, I noticed it on my bookshelf and took it down to read. I was blown away, not only by her exquisite writing, but by Dave’s insight that I would be touched by it. I wish I had read it when he was alive. I would have thanked him, told him how much I liked it, and we could have sat down with a glass of brandy in comfortable chairs, and discussed post war Europe and human beings, until maybe three in the morning.
Your Mavis Gallant project is a lovely thing, Bill, and I thank you for your work.
So much love to you, Bill. Thank you for this celebration, investigation all wrapped in your brilliant imagination. Happy Birthday--please celebrate your fine self, along with MG. I'll miss you both--the daily diary entries have been sustaining. My love to you, dear one. xoxo
How lucky MG was to have an appreciator like you. And how wonderful it is to think of how a writer's work can touch one, as yours has others.
I do hope a version of this personal reader's memoir finds its way to print. It's such a unique project, certainly interesting for its research into MG's life, times, friends, acquaintances and odds and sods, its analysis and speculation about the work, its discursive biographies of side characters, and its introspection on your own life and how and how the roles of reader and writer intertwine.
It's been great fun following your always engaging, often funny, and sometimes moving project through to its completion. Thanks!
This project has been brilliant, from beginning to end. And the Compline Service was very moving. The initial organ piece (Rhosymedre) I can never hear without tears, so I was a goner from the get-go. The tone of the service reminded me of that long-ago window with the candle-lit ladles. Respect for meaning; serious delight in beauty. All wrapped up and put away with the knotty fugue. Thanks so much for it all, Bill. We're lucky to know you.
How can we thank you enough Bill, except to say Thanks for your incredible intellect, inspiration and for caring enough to keep Mavis Gallant’s memory alive through your words. Reading your posts each day brought me laughter and now a bit more knowledge of her life. Happy belated birthday to you.
This is a very lovely service, and the blog was a tenatious achievement. Hope your birthday was both too.
All best to all Bills, Tom
Happy Birthday Bill and thank you for the energy and love and kindness you invested in your chronicles about MG and the many intersecting stories along the way. It was a pleasure to tag along
Have followed your Tribute to MG most days these past few months...always enjoyable.
My favourite interview was with Marta D .... she brought Mavis alive for me.
Have yet to read any of MG’s stories ....I do enjoy yours and look forward to more.
Listened to compline tonight .... Veda Hille’s musical and sung compilation of quotes was stunning.
With Gratitude - Margaret
Happy birthday Bill (et al)…you took us on a wonderful ride, and now perhaps it is time for an MG (“a MG”?) reading quest. Thank you!
Happy Birthday Bill, you've done a wonderful job with your blog and the beautiful Compline. I will miss you, but it was great while it lasted. I hope to see more writing in the future, when you are rested!!
Have a great day !!!
The Compline was beautiful, simply beautiful. And splendid too. Brought back so many memories. Thank you so much Bill for recording it for us far-away folk.
Happy Birthday Bill, and thank you for this resurrection and celebration of MG. Will miss your MG musings. Hope to see more of your writing out in the world.
Best wishes,
Pam
xo
Thanks. Just thanks.
What a wonderful way to spend an evening. Thank you for sharing. I also love your blogs and will so miss them. Please do more and yes, write those already produced into some form that I can have as a keep sake. I am gathering MG's works and reading voraciously. Thank you for this whole experience.
Susan from Red Deer. Hugs
Splendid, simply splendid! Thank you for sharing the service with those of us across Canada, around the world.
Yes, Mavis was there; those blazing-gold sunflowers lured her into the building. That fellow was one of the hundreds of unnamed characters who populate her noisy story-streets and buildings. Last night he was with you; tonight he wanders elsewhere, perhaps into another story like yours.
Bill, thank you so much for celebrating Mavis Gallant. It took dedication, a lot of time, a deep appreciation, the heart-felt knowledge that SOMETHING had to be done, and so, so much love.
Bravo, my friend. And Happy Birthday! xo
Sending big birthday wishes to you, Bill, and an evening of rest & relaxation after these many months of Mavis musings! I too will miss you!