Munro v. Atwood: Nobel for whom

[jawnbc]

Am reading Dance of the Happy Shades (1968), Alice Munro's first collection of short stories. For those unfamiliar, Munro works exclusively as a short story writer, have only published one very short story collection-ish novel in her 40 year career. Many consider the best living short fiction writer in English. As something of a fan of the genre, I agreed. Heartily.

In Can-Lit circles however, Margaret Atwood is considered by many to be Canada's greatest living fiction writer. Having read several of her books I'm inclined to say...not. She is a great writer: witty, clever, entertaining even. But I think the only reasons Peggy (as Atwood is allegedly know to friends) is of a somewhat higher profile are:

-she writes lit crit and poetry in addition to fiction;
-she was at the vanguard of second wave feminism;
-she garnered more capital outside Canada than inside for many years; and
-Can-Lit circles largely view short stories as the lesser version of "real" fiction

So I suspect--as do many--that the Can-Lit (even Commonwealth Lit) sphere is obsessed with Peggy, leaving Alice quietly writing better fiction. And unless there's a shift away from the Atwood=Can-Lit reduction - by winning or by people deciding she ain't never gonna get it - where will support for Munro come from? Because you and I can't nominate anyone for a Nobel; nominators are a rarified breed. The Establishment, in other words.

But as I read what is probably her earliest, roughest work, I remain impressed. Munro squeezes a whole novel into each story. They're readable, insightful, wry and credible. It's no surprise that one of her stories - The Bear Came Down from the Mountain - has been turned into an equally brilliant 2 hour film (Away From Her). Because Munro gives us the whole package: rich description, believable dialogue, and the everywoman internal monologue that we each has, in order to make sense of the world.

So I say Alice for the 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature. Nominate her for the next 3 years: if she doesn't win, we'll give Peggy another crack.

Comments

[feygele.livejournal.com]

I very much agree with your Alice v. Peggy conclusions. And I think I even wrote a paper on the subject for a Canadian lit course at Mt A...

[jawnbc]

Kewl! Did you prof appreciate it? Or were you considered a heretic?

[feygele.livejournal.com]

It was accepted and enjoyed - I seem to recall receiving a good grade for it.

And, really, it's all about Alice's short stories. Amazing.

[jawnbc]

I wanted to be Carol Shields when I grew up for a long time. Now I want to be Alice.

[deafdyke.livejournal.com]

I agree with your assessment. Munro is understated but absolutely a joy to read.

[jawnbc]

Yay! Who are some of your favourites?

[danbearnyc.livejournal.com]

There's a Canadian author, bearish, also an actor, who die several years ago. He wrote one book I had heard of on Canadian soldiers in WWI. Any idea who the author is? I'm afraid I'm turning blond in my old age.

As for the Peggy/Alice debate, Pegs is more known outside of Canada. This can actually work against her, as Nobel has chosen the more obscure of late. Not to say undeserving, but unknown outside their own language and culture. This therefore makes Alice a better bet.

[jawnbc]

Robertson Davies?

But who would nominate Alice though, outside of Canada?

[danbearnyc.livejournal.com]

No, definitely not Davies. Can't remember the man's name and it kills me. I remember reading his obit and putting his book on order through Amazon, but not completing the sale. ANd haven't figured it out since.

[jawnbc]

Timothy Findley?

[danbearnyc.livejournal.com]

Yeah! He's the one. The novel in question is The Wars. I'm ordering it tonight.

[guiser1.livejournal.com]

You appear to be smart, funny, attractive and you write well.

I've added you as a friend.

I promise to stalk quietly.

[jawnbc]

Enjoy!

From America

[dellwood.livejournal.com]

From my three-year perspective as a graduate writing student and budding writer (who's never actually read Margaret Atwood), what Alice Munro does is indescribably complex. Her prose seems so simple, but the construction of her stories never ceases to amaze me. She is highly respected among American writers--I hardly ever hear Atwood come up in discussions. Plus I love the fact that she writes about very disturbing themes but looks so harmless in her smiley author photos (Atwood always looks so sterile and cold).

Re: From America

[jawnbc]

Glad to hear it.

I'd suggest reading some Atwood, she is very good. Cat's Eye is the novel where she found her heart (without losing her feminist gaze). The Blind Assasin and Alias Grace are also excellent. I've not ready of of her future-tripping stuff (don't like the genre, save Douglas Adams), but many folks rave about her sci-fi-ish stuff.