No Great Mischief

In 1779, driven out of his home, Calum MacDonald sets sail from the Scottish Highlands with his extensive family. After a long, terrible journey he settles his family in 'the land of trees', and eventually they become a separate Nova Scotian clan: red-haired and black-eyed, with its own identity, its own history.

It is the 1980s by the time our narrator, Alexander MacDonald, tells the story of his family, a thrilling and passionate story that intersects with history: with Culloden, where the clans died, and with the 1759 battle at Quebec that was won when General Wolfe sent in the fierce Highlanders because it was 'no great mischief if they fall'.

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Alistair MacLeod (1936–2014) was a Canadian writer celebrated for his evocative storytelling and masterful exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the human connection to land and tradition. Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, he spent much of his childhood in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, which became the central setting and inspiration for his works.

Education and Career

MacLeod studied at St. Francis Xavier University, the University of New Brunswick, and the University of Notre Dame, earning his PhD in literature. He went on to teach English and creative writing at the University of Windsor in Ontario. Despite his modest literary output, MacLeod’s meticulous craftsmanship earned him widespread acclaim.

Key Literary Works

• “The Lost Salt Gift of Blood” (1976)
  A collection of seven short stories, this book captures the struggles and resilience of Cape Breton’s people, exploring themes of isolation, sacrifice, and the pull of home.

• “As Birds Bring Forth the Sun” (1986)
  Another short story collection, this work is known for its lyrical prose and deep connection to Cape Breton’s landscape and culture. It explores the weight of memory, history, and familial bonds.

• “No Great Mischief” (1999)
  MacLeod’s only novel, this multi-generational saga follows the MacDonald family from their Scottish roots to contemporary Cape Breton. The book delves into themes of loyalty, heritage, and loss, and won several prestigious awards, including the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.

Legacy

MacLeod’s writing is distinguished by its poetic language, rich imagery, and profound emotional depth. Though his body of work is small, it is widely regarded as among the finest in Canadian literature, resonating with readers around the world for its universal themes and heartfelt exploration of the human condition.