Picture a Canadian storyteller who spins tales of the human heart with a touch of the fantastical—meet Barbara Gowdy! Born in Windsor, Ontario, in 1950, Gowdy has carved a unique niche in contemporary literature with her bold, empathetic explorations of unconventional lives. Her novels, like Falling Angels and The White Bone, blend raw realism with imaginative leaps, earning her a spot in the Order of Canada and a devoted global readership.
With a knack for diving into the minds of outsiders—be it troubled sisters or sentient elephants—Gowdy’s work is both haunting and hilarious. Her stories don’t shy away from life’s messier corners, making her a literary trailblazer who’s as celebrated as she is fearless. Let’s explore the life, works, and lasting impact of this remarkable author.
The Making of Barbara Gowdy
Gowdy grew up in Don Mills, a Toronto suburb, where her curiosity for human quirks took root. The third of four children, she dabbled in music at York University and the Royal Conservatory of Music before trying her hand at editing and even stockbroking. It wasn’t until her late 30s that she published her debut novel, Through the Green Valley (1988), a historical romance she later called “earnest” and “cringe-worthy.” Her real breakthrough came with Falling Angels (1989), a dark comedy that showcased her signature blend of humor and heart, cementing her as a voice to watch.
Barbara Gowdy’s Unforgettable Stories
Gowdy’s novels are like no other, weaving complex characters into narratives that feel both intimate and otherworldly. Falling Angels follows three sisters navigating a dysfunctional 1960s Ontario family, haunted by their alcoholic mother’s tragic past. Its sharp wit and emotional depth inspired a 2002 film adaptation. The White Bone (1998) takes a daring leap, telling the story of an African elephant named Mud, orphaned and searching for safety. Critics praised its vivid prose, though some found its elephant-centric perspective a bold gamble.
Mister Sandman (1995) is a quirky gem, centered on the Canary family and their autistic daughter, Joan, whose musical genius binds their chaotic lives. Then there’s Helpless (2007), a gripping tale of a single mother and her abducted daughter, which stirred controversy for its empathetic portrayal of the abductor. Gowdy’s style—marked by vivid imagery, psychological depth, and a touch of the surreal—challenges readers to see the world through unexpected lenses, earning her nominations for the Giller Prize, Governor General’s Award, and Man Booker Prize.
Her 2017 novel, Little Sister, written despite chronic back pain, explores a woman who inhabits another’s body during thunderstorms, showcasing Gowdy’s knack for blending the mundane with the magical. Each work reflects her fearless approach to taboo topics and her compassion for society’s misfits.
Why Barbara Gowdy Matters
Gowdy’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the marginalized, from necrophiles in her short story collection We So Seldom Look on Love to elephants facing poaching in The White Bone. Her work has reshaped Canadian literature, proving it can be daring, modern, and deeply moving. Praised by Carol Shields as writing “like an angel” and by the Chicago Tribune as “miraculous,” Gowdy has inspired writers like Sheila Heti and readers worldwide. Her induction into the Order of Canada in 2006 and her Guggenheim Fellowship in 2012 underscore her cultural significance.
Despite personal struggles, including chronic pain and a breast cancer diagnosis, Gowdy’s resilience shines through. Her stories remind us that even in life’s darkest corners, there’s beauty and redemption to be found.
About Barbara Gowdy
- Born: June 25, 1950, Windsor, Ontario
- Key Works: Falling Angels, The White Bone, Mister Sandman, Helpless
- Awards: Order of Canada (2006), Trillium Book Award (2008), Marian Engel Award (1996)
- Fun Fact: She lives in Toronto with her cat, Lily, and her partner, poet Christopher Dewdney.
Snag Falling Angels or The White Bone and dive into Barbara Gowdy’s spellbinding world of wit, wonder, and raw humanity!