Major Issues
Author Links
Essay Questions

Major Issues

Mavis Gallant’s acute powers of observation have served her well as a journalist, essayist, and short fiction writer. She shows herself to be an excellent witness, in both her nonfiction accounts of contemporary social and political events and in her creation of fictional worlds. Gallant’s life as an expatriate Canadian in Paris and her depiction of young Americans in post-World War II Europe invite comparisons with earlier American expatriates, such Henry James and Edith Wharton. Reviewers and critics have commented on Gallant’s understated, restrained style, and the focus and clarity of her exploration of 20th century life and relationships in her fiction.

Author Links

Mavis Gallant: Story Teller International
A helpful introductory overview, explaining Gallant’s importance as a Canadian and international writer.

Mavis Gallant
Basic list of Works By, Works About, and awards.

Innocence Abroad
This magazine profile focuses on Gallant’s successful career as a short-story writer.

The Adult Mysteries
The New York Times review of 1993 short story collection, including "1933."