The Coming of Winter

by David Adams Richards

David Adams Richards finds universal truths in the very particular setting of New Brunswick’s Miramichi Valley. This, his first novel, provides a window upon a world that is as unsettling, as uncontrollable, and as inescapably authentic as a sudden brawl.

The frustrations of the community are brought into focus in the plights of 20-year-old Kevin Dulse, his family, and especially his wild young friends. An intensely realistic story, it stands firm upon its engaging, unaffected characters and the raw talent of its then 22-year-old author.

Genres: Canada, Canadian Literature, Fiction

328 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

David Adams Richards (born 17 October 1950) is a Canadian novelist, essayist, screenwriter and poet.

Born in Newcastle, New Brunswick, Richards left St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick, one course shy of completing a B.A. Richards has been a writer-in-residence at various universities and colleges across Canada, including the University of New Brunswick.

Richards has received numerous awards including 2 Gemini Awards for scriptwriting for Small Gifts and "For Those Who Hunt The Wounded Down", the Alden Nowlan Award for Excellence in the Arts, and the Canadian Authors Association Award for his novel Evening Snow Will Bring Such Peace. Richards is one of only three writers to have won in both the fiction and non-fiction categories of the Governor General's Award. He won the 1988 fiction award for Nights Below Station Street and the 1998 non-fiction award for Lines on the Water: A Fisherman's Life on the Miramichi. He was also a co-winner of the 2000 Giller Prize for Mercy Among the Children.

In 1971, he married the former Peggy MacIntyre. They have two sons, John Thomas and Anton Richards, and currently reside in Toronto.

John Thomas was born in 1989 in Saint John, New Brunswick.

The Writers' Federation of New Brunswick administers an annual David Adams Richards Award for Fiction.

Richards' papers are currently housed at the University of New Brunswick.

Reviews

[David]

Re-read for the first time in a while. Feelings fluctuate.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent novel that paints the lives of the New Brunswick working-class in an interesting and engaging manner. David Adams Richards possess the skill of writing about daily events in such a way as that you feel the full weight of them even as you sit comfortably at home. The oppressive nature of the small and dirty town, the rough working conditions of the paper mill and always the presence of nature, as fall turns into winter, can be felt in his work. Even though there's very little dialogue in this novel each of the few characters feels alive. They're neither good or bad, but have their hopes, fears, and regrets. Though this novel is not very long the oppressive nature of the writing makes the experience feel longer than it seems. Living inside the protagonists mind you can feel the dread of everyday life and I felt like I needed to take breaks from reading as you start to feel depressed about his future prospects. Reading about this way of life definitely makes one more sympathetic to those inhabiting the outskirts of Canada, in small towns around mills and mines, living above poverty and struggling to find a meaning to ones existence.

[Daryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book (I studied a lot of Canadian Lit in university) but could not get past the excessive swearing. I find it so jarring and difficult to get through. Excellent writing.

[Darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some writers are given the magic touch, - a gift from God. As is evident in this novel and its then twenty-two-year-old author.

[Ryan]

Dull.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written novel about the inhabitants of a small New Brunswick community. These are characters that are going no where. Fun is getting wasted on cheap wine and driving around the town's square. Very realistic and depressing. The final chapter was excruciating!

[Chris Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite canadian novels

[Ibis3]

NCL.2006-10-01