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Fifth Business
252 pages, 2001
Ramsay is a man who returned from the hell of the battle grave at Passchendaele in World War I. He was decorated with the Victoria Cross, and it seemed as if he would be caught in a no-mans land where memory, history, and myth collide.
As he tells his story, it seems that from boyhood, he had exerted perhaps a mystical influence on those around him. His seemingly innocent involvement in such innocuous events as throwing a snowball or teaching card tricks to a small boy ended up not being innocent or innocuous.
Fifth Business stands alone as a remarkable story told by a rational man who discovers that the marvelous is only another aspect of the real.
In Fifth Business, Robertson Davies explores the profound impact of guilt on the human psyche. The protagonist, Dunstan Ramsay, carries the burden of guilt for an incident from his childhood throughout his life. This guilt shapes his actions and decisions, showing us how our past can influence our present and future. It's a reminder to confront and resolve our guilt, rather than letting it control us.
Davies encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Dunstan's life is a quest to understand his true self, beyond societal expectations and roles. This book nudges us to look into our own lives, question our identities, and find our true selves.
Fifth Business makes us question the role of fate and free will in our lives. While some events seem predestined, Davies suggests that our choices and actions can shape our destiny. It's a thought-provoking look into the age-old debate of fate versus free will.
Davies weaves in elements of mythology and religion into the narrative, showing their influence on our lives. He suggests that these stories and beliefs can provide a framework for understanding our experiences and the world around us. It's a fascinating exploration of the power of myth and religion.
In Fifth Business, Davies delves into the complexity of human relationships. He explores how our interactions with others can shape our identity and destiny. The book encourages us to reflect on our relationships and their impact on our lives.
Quotes 5
Fifth Business is a masterful tapestry of myth and reality, a work of art that challenges the reader's perception of self and world.
Margaret Atwood - Canadian poet, novelistFifth Business is a mesmerizing exploration of the human condition, a profound and timeless work that resonates with truth and wisdom.
Michael Ondaatje - Sri Lankan-Canadian novelistFifth Business is a captivating journey into the depths of the human psyche, a novel that is as enlightening as it is entertaining.
Alice Munro - Short-story writerFifth Business is a masterclass in storytelling, a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is engrossing.
John Irving - American novelist, screenwriterFifth Business is a profound exploration of identity and the human spirit, a novel that is as moving as it is insightful.
Joyce Carol Oates - American writer