What do you think?
Rate this book
The Great Divide
Barry Bloburne is a misanthropic real estate developer with a simple to build the greatest ski resort the world has ever seen. However, a bizarre encounter on an isolated mountain highway brings him face-to-face with the elusive wilderness of the Rockies, and introduces him to a whole new set of complications which threaten his dream project, and his very life.
The Great Divide is a whirlwind journey from the conference room to the deep wilds of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It brings you on a tour of natural wonders, encroaching development, ancient mystery, and the wild characters who call it home.
The Great Divide is a whirlwind journey from the conference room to the deep wilds of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It brings you on a tour of natural wonders, encroaching development, ancient mystery, and the wild characters who call it home.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2018
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Conor McCarthy
1 book6 followersConor is a writer and editor based in Canmore, Alberta. He published his debut novel The Great Divide in December 2018 and is working on a forthcoming collection of short stories.
His work has been published in the McGill Daily, The Veg and Steps literary magazines, as well as in Traffic Cone Quarterly, a publication which he founded.
When not writing, Conor can be found in the backcountry of the Canadian Rockies, or lounging at home with his partner Kaley, and their demon puppy Monty.
His work has been published in the McGill Daily, The Veg and Steps literary magazines, as well as in Traffic Cone Quarterly, a publication which he founded.
When not writing, Conor can be found in the backcountry of the Canadian Rockies, or lounging at home with his partner Kaley, and their demon puppy Monty.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 29, 2019
The novel brings the reader right into the heart of the Rocky Mountains on a wild adventure! It is a great story that talks about how and why humans interact with the wilderness. It left me thinking, maybe there are some things and places out there that should be left alone..
April 16, 2019
I bought this book for a couple of reasons: I am friends with Conor’s Dad, I have lots of time to read now, and l like to support friends. I started reading the book with some preconceived notions:
. I remember Conor from his days as a young Cub Scout so wasn’t expecting a mature novel,
. this is a first novel so I thought it would be a bit immaturely written,
. this is a Canadian novel so I can’t expect much (sorry) and
. “let’s see how fast I can get through this so I can get to a good book”.
This book had lots of hurdles to overcome if it wanted me to enjoy it.
Within a few pages I was thinking “this is much more than I was expecting”. In the end, I did read through the book pretty quickly, but not because I was just trying to get through it, but because it was a really good read and I wanted to see what would happen next. It is well written, mature, and has a very interesting storyline which develops in unexpected but clever ways and, in the end, is as good a book as I have ever read. The book takes unexpected twists and turns, but with legitimate reason and not ‘just because’. If I didn’t know Conor and had just picked this book up to read, I would have thought this was a seasoned novelist. Now Conor is an author I will be following, waiting for the next good read! Maybe Canadian literature isn’t so bad after all!
. I remember Conor from his days as a young Cub Scout so wasn’t expecting a mature novel,
. this is a first novel so I thought it would be a bit immaturely written,
. this is a Canadian novel so I can’t expect much (sorry) and
. “let’s see how fast I can get through this so I can get to a good book”.
This book had lots of hurdles to overcome if it wanted me to enjoy it.
Within a few pages I was thinking “this is much more than I was expecting”. In the end, I did read through the book pretty quickly, but not because I was just trying to get through it, but because it was a really good read and I wanted to see what would happen next. It is well written, mature, and has a very interesting storyline which develops in unexpected but clever ways and, in the end, is as good a book as I have ever read. The book takes unexpected twists and turns, but with legitimate reason and not ‘just because’. If I didn’t know Conor and had just picked this book up to read, I would have thought this was a seasoned novelist. Now Conor is an author I will be following, waiting for the next good read! Maybe Canadian literature isn’t so bad after all!
April 23, 2019
“The Great Divide,” is an outstanding read - and I highly recommend it.
The story is compelling, the characters are interesting and well-developed, and the descriptions of people and places are so complete that you feel as though you’re right there, in the village coffee shop, balancing on the ledge of a sheer rockface, or deep inside a mountain cave with creatures that are all-too-real. This is one of those books that you don’t want to put down.
Never been to the Canadian Rockies? No problem: this book with transport you there in an instant. With its detailed imagery, you can almost see the texture of the landscape, hear boulders crashing from the mountainside, and feel the water in the creek, washing over your feet. And you'll also come face-to-face with creatures from your worst nightmares! This is an immersive book that defines literary escapism.
Really enjoyed this work, and I'm hoping to see more from the author soon!
The story is compelling, the characters are interesting and well-developed, and the descriptions of people and places are so complete that you feel as though you’re right there, in the village coffee shop, balancing on the ledge of a sheer rockface, or deep inside a mountain cave with creatures that are all-too-real. This is one of those books that you don’t want to put down.
Never been to the Canadian Rockies? No problem: this book with transport you there in an instant. With its detailed imagery, you can almost see the texture of the landscape, hear boulders crashing from the mountainside, and feel the water in the creek, washing over your feet. And you'll also come face-to-face with creatures from your worst nightmares! This is an immersive book that defines literary escapism.
Really enjoyed this work, and I'm hoping to see more from the author soon!
February 19, 2019
This was a great read - believable characters with a really despicable main one. Interesting mountain action as well. Have you ever been caught in an avalanche of snow? Read this book and learn what to do if that happens. I’m not from the mountains or spent much time there, but the writing is so clear and evocative, you can easily picture yourself in this area. Finally, a very interesting take on an old mountain legend. This novel is definitely worth your time.
April 29, 2019
Full of suspense and adventure
Such a fun story with lots of unexpected twists and turns! If you want to read a book with the perfect mix of humour and mystery, then look no more. The Great Divide will take you on a mystical trip through the Rockies that will leave you wanting more.
Such a fun story with lots of unexpected twists and turns! If you want to read a book with the perfect mix of humour and mystery, then look no more. The Great Divide will take you on a mystical trip through the Rockies that will leave you wanting more.
March 11, 2026
I really enjoyed reading The Great Divide by Conor McCarthy. The story follows Barry Bloburne, a real-estate developer who wants to build the biggest ski resort in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. During his journey in the wilderness, unexpected and mysterious events challenge his plans. I liked the mix of adventure, humor, and the beautiful mountain setting. It’s an entertaining and unique story that makes you think about nature and ambition. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and surprising stories.
January 13, 2021
This book is actually written by my second cousin, so my review might be considered a little bias, but I really enjoyed this as a potential book to be classified as "environmental literature" as it tackles issue related to forest usage and encroachment of civilization on a pristine natural order. Conor has another book of short stories out as well.
December 8, 2019
A good adventure-thriller that takes place in the Canadian Rockies, complete with Sasquatches. Full review here: bit.ly/GreatDivideReview
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews