Carol Shields

Carol Shields was an American-Canadian author best known for her 1993 novel 'The Stone Diaries,' which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction as well as the Governor General's Award in Canada. Her work often explores the lives of ordinary people, particularly women, with a compassionate and insightful lens. Shields' writing is characterized by its detailed character development and exploration of themes such as identity, love, and the human condition. In addition to 'The Stone Diaries,' her notable works include 'Swann: A Mystery,' 'Larry's Party,' and 'Unless.' Shields also wrote plays, poetry, and short stories throughout her career.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Stone Diaries

    Cover of 'The Stone Diaries' by Carol Shields

    The novel follows the life of Daisy Goodwill Flett, a seemingly ordinary woman, from her birth in Canada in 1905 to her death. It explores her experiences as a mother, wife, and widow, as well as her work as a gardener and her later years as a columnist. The book is unique in that it is written in a variety of styles including letters, diary entries, and third-person narrative, and it explores themes of identity, love, and the often overlooked lives of women.

  2. 2. Unless

    Cover of 'Unless' by Carol Shields

    The novel is a narrative about a middle-aged, successful writer who is grappling with the sudden and inexplicable decision of her eldest daughter to drop out of college and live on the streets. The daughter communicates only one word, "Goodness", which she writes on a cardboard sign. The story explores the protagonist's struggle to understand her daughter's choice, while also delving into themes of feminism, the nature of goodness, and the power of words.

  3. 3. Various Miracles

    Cover of 'Various Miracles' by Carol Shields

    "Various Miracles" is a collection of short stories that explore the intricacies of human relationships and the unexpected events that shape our lives. With a blend of humor and poignancy, the narratives delve into the lives of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary moments, where miracles—both literal and metaphorical—occur in everyday settings. The stories examine themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of chance encounters, revealing the magic hidden within the mundane and the profound connections that can arise from the simplest of interactions.

  4. 4. Happenstance

    Cover of 'Happenstance' by Carol Shields

    The novel explores the lives of a married couple by delving into their individual experiences during a five-day separation. The wife, a quilt artist, attends a craft convention in a distant city, where she confronts her own ambitions and reflects on her identity outside of her domestic life. Meanwhile, at home, the husband, a historian, takes on the responsibilities of domestic life and childcare, while also facing his own professional and personal uncertainties. The narrative alternates between their perspectives, providing a nuanced examination of marriage, gender roles, and the complexities of personal growth and self-discovery within the framework of a long-term relationship.

  5. 5. Larry's Party

    Cover of 'Larry's Party' by Carol Shields

    Larry's Party is a thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Larry Weller, a man who finds his true passion in creating mazes. As Larry navigates through different stages of his life, the book explores themes of identity, relationships, and the search for meaning. Through Larry's experiences, readers are compelled to reflect on their own journeys and the choices they make along the way.