The Diviners
The Diviners
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1974
Book Brief
402
Novel • Fiction
Manawaka, Manitoba • 1970s
1974
YA
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Diviners by Margaret Laurence is a 1974 kunstlerroman that follows Morag Gunn, a writer and single mother, as she navigates her memories and identity. Raised in Manawaka, Manitoba, she struggles with her childhood under foster parents and leaves for university. After a failed marriage, she becomes a writer and bonds with Jules, a Metis friend. Morag's journey leads her back to her roots, reconciling with her past and her daughter. The book includes sensitive themes such as racial discrimination and child loss.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
7,948 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Margaret Laurence’s The Diviners is celebrated for its rich character development and vivid portrayal of Canadian life, particularly its exploration of identity and feminist themes. Critics praise its storytelling and depth, though some find its narrative pacing uneven. Laurence’s prose is lauded for its evocative imagery, despite occasional criticisms of being overly descriptive.
Who Should Read The Diviners?
Readers who enjoy The Diviners by Margaret Laurence typically appreciate character-driven narratives with strong female protagonists, reflective inner monologues, and themes of identity and resilience. Fans of Alice Munro's The Lives of Girls and Women and Margaret Atwood's Cat's Eye will find this book compelling.
7,948 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
402
Novel • Fiction
Manawaka, Manitoba • 1970s
1974
YA
18+ years
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