65 pages • 2 hours read
Alistair MacLeodNo Great Mischief
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Alistair MacLeod's 1999 bildungsroman No Great Mischief, Alexander MacDonald, a successful Canadian orthodontist, visits his alcoholic brother Calum in Toronto, prompting reflections on their family's past as descendants of Scottish immigrants, the clann Chalum Ruaidh, and their shared history marked by love, loss, and resilience. Substance use issues and alcoholism appear in the book.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Alistair MacLeod’s No Great Mischief is a poignant exploration of family and heritage, praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Critics lauded its rich storytelling and sense of place. However, some found the narrative pace slow. Overall, it’s a moving read that delves deeply into themes of identity and belonging.
Who Should Read No Great Mischief?
Readers who savor lyrical prose, deep family ties, and historical settings will cherish No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod. Fans of Alice Munro’s intricately woven narratives and Willa Cather’s explorations of place and identity will find this novel particularly compelling. No Great Mischief is perfect for those who appreciate rich storytelling and emotional depth.
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