Anne of Tim Hortons: Globalization and the Reshaping of Atlantic-Canadian Literature

by Herb Wyile

"Anne of Tim Hortons: Globalization and the Reshaping of Atlantic-Canadian Literature" is a study of the work of over twenty contemporary Atlantic-Canadian writers that counters the widespread impression of Atlantic Canada as a quaint and backward place. By examining their treatment of work, culture, and history, author Herb Wyile highlights how these writers resist the image of Atlantic Canadians as improvident and regressive, if charming, folk.

After an introduction that examines the current place of the region within the Canadian federation and the broader context of economic globalization, "Anne of Tim Hortons" explores how Atlantic-Canadian writers present a picture of the region that is much more complex and less quaint than the stereotypes through which it is typically viewed. Through the works of authors such as Michael Winter, Lisa Moore, George Elliott Clarke, Rita Joe, Frank Barry, Alistair MacLeod, and Bernice Morgan, among others, the book looks at the changing (and increasingly corporate) nature of work, the cultural diversification and subversive self-consciousness of Atlantic-Canadian literature, and Atlantic-Canadian writers often revisionist approach to the region s history.

What these writers are engaged in, the book contends, is a kind of collective readjustment of the image of the region. Rather than a marginal place stranded outside of time, Atlantic Canada in these works is very much caught up in contemporary economic, political, and cultural developments, particularly the broad sweep of economic globalization. "

294 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jeff Bursey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure who this book is meant for, a paperback at $42.00 that deals with atlantic canadian writers without talking about the art side of their works. On its own terms--post-colonialism and neo-liberalism--it works fine at explaining commodification and the excess influence of capitalism in the region, which is Wyile's interest, and for those readers who like that, it's a good read.

[Teghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author certainly has the audacity to invoke LM Montgomery and Anne in his title/cover and yet go out of his way to diminish the success and importance of Canada's most successful writer. It's a skill to talk about the reshaping of Atlantic-Canadian fiction in a globalized world and to ignore the impact LMM has had on Canada and Atlantic Canada in a globalized world.

There was a great amount of promise to this book, however the CanLit trend of discounting the work of popular writers rears its head once more.

To say something nice, there is a great display of other Atlantic Canadian writers and their place within the CanLit canon and how that has been shaped by globalization.....but when one ignores the red-headed elephant in the room, it calls into question the legitimacy of the rest of the text.

[Gord Higginson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique book, I think. Study of commercialization, globalization and recent (about the last 30 or 40 years) Atlantic Canadian literature. Haven't finished all of it--so far jut read snippets and the chapter on Newfoundland novels, Ed Riche, Mike Winter, Lisa Moore, Wayne Johnson, etc. So far is a good read. Makes me wanna go out and read those authors.