Are You Up to … No Great Mischief

No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod

Alexander MacDonald guides us through his family's mythic past as he recollects the heroic stories of his people – loggers, miners, drinkers, adventurers – men forever in exile, forever linked to their clan.

Tyler’s Cape by Darren Greer

Tyler's Cape is set in rural Nova Scotia, and narrated by Luke Conrad, who upon his return home from Halifax to take care of his elderly mother recounts the often-mysterious history of his family. Blending humour, pathos and a stark, realistic portrayal of growing up on the Nova Scotian South Shore, the novel explores a fifty-year relationship between three brothers and examines the difficult yet enduring nature of family.

Cape Breton Road by D. M. MacDonald

Nineteen-year-old Innis Corbett is exiled from his home in Boston to Cape Breton, N.S. as a consequence of stealing cars. Sent to live with his uncle, Star, Innis is unimpressed by this man who seems to have given up everything to stay in this remote, isolated location. Though life in this small community bound by memory and blood cannot cure Innis immediately of his anger, the rugged landscape does work a change on him. As he grows stronger, he faces himself in the mirror and feels an emerging sense of self-worth and coming manhood.

Long Stretch by Linden MacIntyre

Cape Bretoner John Gillis and his cousin Sextus, who returns home after a lengthy absence, head out for a wild night of drinking on Remembrance Day. Their binge digs up long buried secrets and unleashes the Gillis' Cape Breton ghosts in this psychological thriller.

A Fiddle for Angus by Budge Wilson

Angus’ family is musical. Everyone has their own instrument and everyone knows how to make music. But Angus can only hum along to his family’s playing, and humming isn’t good enough. When Angus’ father tells him the family will give him an instrument, he can’t choose until he hears the fiddle at a ceilidh. But fiddling is hard; he can’t make the music he wants. With patience, practice, and lots of lessons, Angus’ fingers learn how to play, and the music inside him finds a way out.