The Big Why

Winter, Michael

ISBN 10: 0887841880 / ISBN 13: 9780887841880

Published by Anansi, Toronto, 2004

About this Item

Patterned grey and white boards, signed by author on title page, light denting on rear panel, else fine in fine jacket. Signed on title page.

Seller Inventory # 000195

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Big Why
• Publisher: Anansi, Toronto
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0887841880
• ISBN 13: 9780887841880
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Canadian Fiction

About this title

Synopsis

Michael Winter's powerful new novel, The Big Why, brilliantly fictionalizes a pivotal year in the life of celebrated American artist Rockwell Kent. In 1914, at the age of thirty, Kent decides to escape the superficial world of New York City and move to Brigus, Newfoundland, with his wife and three children to follow a few months later. A socialist and a philanderer, certain in the greatness of his work, he is drawn north by a fascination for the rocky Atlantic coast and by the example of Brigus's other well-known resident, fabled Arctic explorer Robert Bartlett. But once in Newfoundland, Kent discovers that notoriety is even easier to achieve in a small town than in New York. As events come to a head both internationally and domestically and the war begins, Kent becomes a polarizing figure in this intimate, impoverished community, where everyone knows everyone and any outsider is suspect, possibly even a German spy. Writing in Kent's voice, Michael Winter delivers a passionate, witty, and cerebral exploration of what makes exceptional individuals who they are--and why.

Shortlisted for the Trillium Award

About the Author

Michael Winter grew up in Newfoundland, Canada, and now lives in the relative warmth of Toronto. He is the author of four previous books.