Alms

By Cynthia Macdonald

Book Overview

Martine Craythorn has a problem: she's rich. But her inheritance hardly comforts her--in fact, she sees it as an impediment to her ultimate aim in life, which is to live the life of a good person. Set... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143013793
• ISBN13: 9780143013792
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Penguin Books Canada, Limited
• Length: 375 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.7" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Where Has This Author Been Hiding?

This book is VERY impressive. I heard Ms. Macdonald on the radio and thought she sounded bright, witty, and observant. I went out and bought her book immediately. It turns out I was right. This book manages to capture the essence of the enigma of charity. How much must we suffer for our charitable deeds to be valuable? What's more, the book explores other important social and philisophical themes while still maintaining an immensely compelling narrative involving credible and complex characters. And, Ms. Macdonald's style is unique. Her use of language is deft and entertaining. Her sense of humour is just devine. Read it. Read it soon.

A Canadian "The Corrections"

Anybody who enjoyed Jonathan Franzen's "The Corrections" will love this book. Macdonald is a master storyteller, and paints a vivid picture of life in the '80s with wit and pathos. This writer's turn of phrase is second to none. She is a stunningly original new voice in Canadian fiction.

A Wonderful Read

This book is great. I saw the cover and bought it on a whim. I was surpised at how quickly I got caught up in the story and the characters. The author's style is unique. Her writing is sophisticated in its use of language yet witty and insightfull. I can't wait for her next one.

Canadian Writing is not dead after all.

It's nice to see a novel that actually has something to say and is not boring about saying it. I used to live in Toronto and can identify with the mood and the results. I highly recommend the book. Ann Rand must be turning over in her grave. But are we sure that we are not getting egoism mixed up with true altruism?