Super Short Summary

Two Solitudes by Hugh MacLennan, published in 1945, is an award-winning novel that details the generational saga of the Tallard family, divided by French and English Canadian heritage. Centered around Athanase Tallard's attempts to mediate between the conflicting sides, the story spans from post-WWI to the onset of WWII, highlighting key characters such as Athanase's nationalist son Marius and his younger son Paul, who bridges the cultural divide through his relationship with an English Canadian woman. The novel addresses themes of family, tragedy, hardship, nationality, loyalty, and love. The story includes racial slurs and does not address the plight of Canada's Indigenous groups.