65 pages • 2 hours read
No Great Mischief
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Nova Scotia • 20th century
1999
Adult
18+ years
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.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
12,544 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
12,544 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Calum MacDonald
Calum MacDonald
Alex's older brother, who serves as a leader of their family and is deeply connected to their ancestral heritage, facing personal struggles and embodying familial dedication.
Grandfather
Grandfather
Alex's maternal grandfather, a practical and quietly insightful man whose love for his family is shown through his actions and who has a particular appreciation for family history.
304
Novel • Fiction
Nova Scotia • 20th century
1999
Adult
18+ years
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