“In
Margaret Laurence:
the Making of a Writer, a rich and beautifully documented biography, Donez Xiques has done a major service to Laurence and to Canadian
literature. A superlative achievement.” David Staines, University of
Ottawa.
“Margaret Laurence: The Making of a Writer is a densely packed and
wonderfully informative account of Laurence's early years. . . Xiques
has brought to her research a resolve that “attention must be paid to
every detail” within her power to uncover. Her meticulous method has
ushered in a book that expands and satisfies our understanding of "The
Making of a Writer" in ways and details that no other of the many
Laurence scholars has achieved. We are in her debt." Clara Thomas,
Books
in Canada,
November 2005.
“A moving and truthful portrait of a young woman’s struggle to liberate
herself from
herself and to exercise her talent to the limit of its possibilities.”
Silver Donald Cameron, author.
“An exhaustively researched and extremely readable biography.” Jack
Hodgins, author.
“This work will no doubt prove valuable, and its focus on the
under-appreciated African writing will add a great deal to the study of
her early work.” Lorne Roberts, Winnipeg Free Press,
October, 2, 2005.
“Margaret Laurence: The Making of a Writer is a strong and sensitive
portrait of the beloved Margaret Laurence.” Shirley Douglas, actor and
health activist.
“Backed up with extensive research, Xiques creates a delightful portrait
of a shy, vibrant and strong-minded woman destined to be a fine writer.
She brilliantly elucidates the many influences in Laurence's
apprenticeship, from family to friends, teachers to colleagues. The book
also includes a previously unpublished story, “Mrs. Cathcart, In and Out
of Purdah” and two lesser-known pieces, “A Fable--For the Whaling
Fleets” and “A Queen in Thebes”. The accompanying fiction rounds out the
already admirable biography, a treat for fans of Margaret Laurence and
of Canadian literature.” The Gauntlet, University of Calgary, December 2005.
