How have I not been aware of his work up to now? Like many another convert to his writing I’m recommending him to anyone who will listen, and our household has now invested in two further trilogies of his. The Deptford Trilogy is my first - but not my last – foray into the world of Robertson Davies. “… a continual reminder of the consequences that can follow a single action.” Guest post by Chris Lovegrove, Calmgrove Time is. I’m so glad that my invitation to contribute to this event prodded Chris of Calmgrove to finally read these books, because I thought he would love them - and I was right! See below for more about his experience, a rich reflection upon a many-faceted work that continues to enchant readers worldwide.

He penned The Deptford Trilogy in his late 50s/early 60s, bringing a lifetime’s experience to his writing.Īfter his death in 1995, the obituary in The Times observed that Davies 'combined deep seriousness and psychological inquiry with fantasy and exuberant mirth'.On this first day of Robertson Davies Reading Week, it seems appropriate to celebrate what is probably Davies’s most well-known work: the cycle of three novels known as The Deptford Trilogy. A man of many talents, he worked as a teacher, actor, playwright, editor, publisher, university lecturer, essayist and novelist. Davies was born in Ontario in 1913, and studied in Toronto and at Balliol College, Oxford. The novels explore aspects of the human condition, and are structured exquisitely. The final book, World of Wonders, focuses on Paul Dempster: through his ill treatment and exploitation as a child, to his success as a formidable magician and entertainer. The Manticore concentrates on David Staunton, Boy’s son, and explores his psychiatric examination following the death of his father. Ramsay provides the 'glue' which sticks the trilogy together. Fifth Business relates, in the first person, the story of Dunstan Ramsay and his relationship with Staunton and Paul Dempster both childhood friends - and enemies. Who killed Boy Staunton? The Deptford Trilogy by Robertson Davies revolves around a murder mystery but, as the author develops the plot, the reader becomes absorbed in a strange world of myth, magic, psychology, and history often far removed from rural Deptford in Canada, where the action begins.Įach book in the trilogy centres around a principal character.

The deptford trilogy review