A Celibate Season
1991

Originally published in 1991, this remarkable collaboration came about when the two award-winning authors Carol Shields and her friend Blanche Howard decided to tell two sides of the same story. Carol wrote the man's version and Blanche the woman's.

This immensely enjoyable novel gives us both sides of a story about the breakdown of traditional roles, rules and communication in a marriage.

Buy the Book
        Click here to order.

A Celibate Season is intelligent, subtle, symmetrical; like all our favourite seasons, it passes by all too quickly." - Quill & Quire

These two award winning authors have written a delightful novel which gives us both sides of a story about the breakdown of traditional roles. A Celibate Season is the story of what happens when Jocelyn and Charles, who have been married for years, are faced with a possible ten-month separation. In order to economize, they choose to write to each other rather than use the telephone. Through their letters, we follow the evolution and eventually the breakdown of communication. As the months progress, we begin to see two very distinct views of this time apart. Their "season of celibacy," as they initially joked, is proving to be more of a challenge than either had imagined and tests the strength and commitment of their marriage.

Great fun-- This is accomplished light entertainment from two serious writers. Beneath its polished surface lurks a reactionary fable." - The Montreal Gazette

[ Buy this book   |  Top ]