Apologia

The novel, Fall on Your Knees by Ann Marie MacDonald sparks a lasting impression on the reader’s view of great Canadian literature. The uniqueness of the fusion of human love, betrayal, faith and suffering give a deep outlook on Cape Breton. Her ability to distill everyday discourses is very compelling. The novel itself is painted on a Cape Breton landscape and is steeped in human emotion. This recreation of the romantic landscape of her childhood shows the real inspiration behind the novel. This epitome of the Canadian novel creates the fragmented feelings that make up so much of what we term understanding. MacDonald conveys the language of the heart that runs below the stumbling blocks of everyday existence. The book explores many obstacles similar to reality. MacDonald builds on the roots of Cape Breton through her own experiences. This produces vivid images in a rainbow array of colour throughout the novel– a very rare talent that can elicit a panorama for others to see. The narrator deftly captures and describes the epic of family love which formulates the heart of the novel. Moreover, the relationships between the characters crystallize the most admirable qualities of truth and honour. This creates a sense of magic in our glimpse of human nature. Fall on Your Knees is really a story about secrets and family and hidden truths that cannot be suppressed. Secrets imbue and underlie this epic of the story. The secrets are a powerful metaphorical symbol carried throughout the adventures of the story. The notion is that something is buried, but no matter how deep it is, it will eventually come up and break the surface. Moreover, this novel is a masterpiece, which establishes one of the most highlighted elements throughout the story- mystery. In one of MacDonald’s interviews with Oprah1, she says, “For me, it was like there was this reader, this benevolent stranger, whose face I couldn't quite see.” (Winfrey, Interview with the Author) Even though MacDonald did not experience various events depicted throughout the novel, it was as if there was a voice, an urge to carry on this imagination. She says, “…I feel that part of my function as a writer is to let the reader know that we're actually going to go to spooky, disturbing places or some places that might morally challenge some people.” (Winfrey, Interview with the Author) Cape Breton was for MacDonald a place of adventure and the one spot on Earth where there was an anchor. This anchor establishes the parameters of various events and perhaps inevitably forms the plot and the setting in the novel. There is absolutely no resisting the novel!

Special Attention should be paid to such a stunning fiction debut. Fall on Your Knees was the “winner of the 1997 Commonwealth Writers Prize2 for Best Book, it was a national bestseller in Canada for two years....” (Pond, 2001) Additionally, it was also the “winner of the 1997 CAA Harlequin Literary Award3 for fiction; winner of 1997 Dartmouth Book Award4.” (New Face of Fiction, 2006) These many awards helped the novel gain recognition. This novel deserves attention due to the fact that the writer creates and simmers words with vivid artistic description. As well, awareness and knowledge is gained from the rich description and the vibrant and effervescent language conveyed throughout the novel. The story itself is riveting and the writing will take your breath away!

Ann Marie MacDonald is one of Canada's most highly profiled artists. She gained recognition in her first career as an actor: “She was nominated for a Genie Award5 in 1988 for her supporting role in the Canadian film I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing...” (Pond, 2001) where MacDonald was already well known to Canadians from her work as a playwright and an actress, she states, “I have never wanted to be only an actor or only a writer,” she has said, “The two have always been dual aspirations.” (Scott, Literary Encyclopedia) Thus, her works are admired by many and critically acclaimed. Her famous play Goodnight Desdemona won the “Governor General Award for Drama6, the Chalmers Award for Outstanding Play7 and the Canadian Author's Association Award for Drama8.” (MacDonald, Theater Encyclopedia) Her success in getting involved in creating original Canadian work in number of contexts is well recognized. For instance, this novel is a masterpiece of collaboration of creativity and vast imagination, which combined with theatrical innovations, makes her a highly eclectic artist.


1Second Canadian novel featured by Oprah Winfrey
2Awarded to outstanding literary talent existing in many parts of the Commonwealth is making a significant contribution to contemporary writing in English. Objectives of the prize include promoting new voices, reward achievements, encourage wider readership and greater literacy.
3Recognizing the best in Canadian literary talent
4Prize honours the best Canadian literature featuring Nova Scotia and its people and recognition in the valuable contributions to the cultural heritage.
5Recognize and celebrate Canada's cinematic achievements.
6Canada's most prestigious award. Six prizes are awarded annually to distinguished career achievements in fine arts and drama.
7For creativity and excellence in the arts who made outstanding contributions to the arts.
8Honouring Canadian writers of various genres whose work has achieved excellence