David Adams Richards Libri

Mercy Among the Children received widespread acclaim, including a Governor General’s Award nomination and the Giller Prize. It was recognized as one of the best books of 2000, achieving national bestseller status in hardcover and gaining publication in the US and UK. The novel's focus on good and evil and the human capacity for choice places Richards in the literary tradition of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Author Wayne Johnston noted Richards' deep affection for his characters, even when such sentiment was deemed unfashionable. Editor Tony Tremblay describes Richards as the most misunderstood Canadian writer of the century, likening him to Morley Callaghan, Kafka, and Melville. The story follows Sydney Henderson, who believes he has killed Connie Devlin after a confrontation over a sandwich. Vowing to God to never harm another, Sydney's life becomes one of selfless goodness, despite his impoverished background hindering his acceptance into university. His kindness is met with suspicion, especially when he wins the love of Elly. As he refuses to defend himself against false accusations, he faces exploitation and is implicated in a boy's death. Meanwhile, his son Lyle, feeling betrayed by his father's passivity, embraces a life of violence and moral emptiness. Set in New Brunswick’s Miramichi Valley, the novel explores universal human struggles through the lens of a small community, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual

Another story based in the fictional rural town in Miramichi.

Janie McCleary runs one of the first movie theatres in New Brunswick. A successful woman in a world of men, she is ostracised, a victim of double-dealing and overt violence. She trusts no one outside her family. Spanning generations, RIVER OF THE BROKEN HEARTED explores the life of this formidable woman, a pioneer before the age of feminism, and her legacy as it unfolds tragically in the lives of her son and grandchildren. Written with aching compassion and masterful sophistication, musing on the tyranny of memory and history, and peers into the hearts of these extraordinary characters. There Richards finds an alchemy of veniality and goodwill, of deceit and brotherliness, of cruelty and love. Once again, David Adams Richards has brought us a work of astonishing grace, rooted on the great Miramichi River of New Brunswick, but universal in scope.

The Raskin brothers once took pride in producing asbestos, a material they believed benefited society. However, their mine is now under scrutiny due to serious health issues linked to it. As the world evolves for the better, the community surrounding the mine faces a darker transformation. Byron, their wealthy and war-hero nephew, encourages them to seek less toxic minerals, but his own life is unraveling. His wife, Carmel, whom he thought he was saving through marriage, has become a pretentious figure, disdainful of Byron's values while still exploiting his wealth. Together with their son Albert, they embody a new world obsessed with mimicry and superficiality, leading to a rise in victims. A local professor faces false sexual harassment accusations, and a young woman suffers devastating consequences after being drugged at a party. Meanwhile, naive Eva Mott, who idolizes her talented cousin Clara, becomes another tragic figure. The narrative of Eva Mott and her struggles resonates deeply, showcasing the power and brilliance of the author, filled with sharp wit and authenticity. This work promises to spark controversy, yet its genuine portrayal of human experiences is undeniable.