Clara Callan is a deeply moving portrait of two women and of an age heralding seismic changes—the Depression era—that will alter the fabric of their inner lives and the world as they once knew it.
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"Sad, beautiful, moving story. This is one of those books that you'd like to find out what happened to the characters after the book ended. Told in diary and letters, I found it especially interesting when two viewpoints from the same character were represented (first you'd read Clara's diary, then her letter to sister Nora,) especially how we change our stories when telling them to others. Wondering how I lived so many years without stumbling upon this author before (but then again, I think that quite often.) I think we modern gals sometimes forget the struggles of those who came before us." — Liz (4 out of 5 stars)
"Sad, beautiful, moving story. This is one of those books that you'd like to find out what happened to the characters after the book ended. Told in diary and letters, I found it especially interesting when two viewpoints from the same character were represented (first you'd read Clara's diary, then her letter to sister Nora,) especially how we change our stories when telling them to others. Wondering how I lived so many years without stumbling upon this author before (but then again, I think that quite often.) I think we modern gals sometimes forget the struggles of those who came before us."
" Interesting story carved together of letters and journals. Feb 08 "
" Utterly fascinating, compelling page turner. Richard B Wright owns the voices of those women in the 1930s, so much that it's hard to believe that it was written by a man. Incredible, amazing and very real. "
" Some good moments but not great. Nice atmosphere but I couldn't identify with Clara so that puts a damper on it for me. "
" Loving it so far. Can hardly put it down. The book is written in letter form, which is a genre I love. Very fun to learn about the protagonists when all you have is the letters they write and receive. It's about two Canadian sisters, and it takes place in both New York and Canada in the 1930s. "
" The story of two sisters in the 1930s, I believe. I don't know how I found this book, but I'm sure glad I did. "
" I had a bit of trouble getting into this book. However, I'm happy I stuck it out because it was a book that I really enjoyed! A most amazing book choice! "
" This book captures the essence of small town and big city life between two sisters through letters in the 1930's. Couldn't put this book down anfpd highly recommend. Very surprised written by a man "
" I started this book and found that it did not draw me in at all - was too slow-moving. I may have not been patient enough as I took it back to the library after reading about 100 pages... "
" I know this won so many awards, but it didnt compel me enough to keep reading it. If a book doesnt capture me in the first 50 pages, I give it up. Because my mantra is " So many books, so little time". "
" I'd give this a 3.5 if I could. It's a quick read for a 400+ page book. There's something distinctly Canadian about it for me. The writing reminds me a bit of a somewhat less poetic Stone Diaries. It's not earth-shattering, but I found it to be very enjoyable and definitely worth my time. "
" The life, times, emotions of two Canadian sisters who carve out different lives for themselves in the 1930s. I enjoyed it, and I marveled at the authentic-sounded voices of women that author Richard Wright created. "
" In this novel, Richard B. Wright tells a compelling story of the two sisters, and clearly draws a portrait of small town Ontario on the eve of the Second World War. A favourite. "
" Great Canadian author. This book is great. "
" I enjoyed the different voices in this book, and the format (letters and journal entries) was unusual and very well-done. It was also a trip into the world of the early- to mid-thirties. It certainly deserved the prizes it won! "
" I could relate to this inter sister correspondence. I loved the contrast of life in New York to that in rural Canada. "
" A great use of the letter/diary as a device to tell a story "
" I enjoyed the melancholy feel of this story, and could relate to the main character's hermit like ways. But it was a bit slow, and I almost didn't pick it back up a few times. "
" 1st Canadian edition "
" See Liz Bonnet's review for a complete summary. She recommended it, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Like Liz, I didn't want to put it down and plan to look for other books by this Canadian author. "
" One of the few books in college I actually looked forward to reading every night! I loved the epistolary format. "
" Great story and I will definitely recommend it "
" This is a really good story, told through letters and journals, of two sisters from a small Ontario town.Excellent read. "
" I loved this book. "
" I wasn't sure you could completely tell a story through personal letters...but Richard B. Wright proves me wrong. The most impressive thing about this novel is that a man manages to capture such powerful feminine voices so clearly and so evocatively. "
" This book did not make me want to go back for more. I finished it but would not have been disappointed if I had not. Clara was an ordinary woman, living alone and her life was quite boring. "
" Appealingly flawed and likeable characters that change and develop. Well-crafted story. As soon as I finished the last page I turned back to page 1. I wasn't quite ready to leave Clara. "
" Loved this Canadian author's book about two sisters in their mid-30s. Set during the mid-20thc depression. One sister is a school teacher in small-town Canada, the other fled to New York for life as a radio actress. Written in the form of diary and letters. "
Anne Twomey is an accomplished actress of both stage and screen. Her Broadway credits include Orpheus Descending with Vanessa Redgrave, To Grandmother’s House We Go, and Nuts, for which she received a Tony nomination and a Theatre World Award. Her many television appearances include guest roles on Seinfeld, Law & Order: SVU, Spin City, and the Christopher Reeves’ movie-of-the-week Rear Window. She has also appeared in the films Picture Perfect and Orpheus Descending. Her audiobook narrations have won her five AudioFile Earphones Awards.
Alison Elliott is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator and an actress, who is best known for her roles in feature films such as Underneath, The Spitfire Grill, The Wings of the Dove, and Birth.
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