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Alistair MacLeod

No Great Mischief

Alistair MacLeodFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

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Book Brief

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Alistair MacLeod

No Great Mischief

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nova Scotia • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.2

12,544 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.2

12,544 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nova Scotia • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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