More: A Novel

From Austin Clarke, the critically acclaimed author of The Polished Hoe—winner of the Giller Prize—comes More, a powerful new novel of survival in a cold and alienating world. Certain to become a classic in contemporary  world literature, More carries readers into the  lonely life of an immigrant domestic—abandoned years before by a faithless husband, her life devastated by her son’s involvement in gang culture and crime—and her remarkable journey from tragedy back to the light. An unforgettable portrait of the black immigrant experience, it is a novel to be read and remembered.

At the news of her son BJ’s involvement in gang crime, IdoraMorrison, a maid at the local university, collapses in her basementapartment. For four days and nights she retreats into a vortex ofmemory, pain, and disappointment that becomes a riveting exposé of her life as a Caribbean immigrant living abroad. Abandoned by her deadbeat husband, Bertram, and left alone to raise her son, Idora has done her best to survive against immense odds. But now that BJ has disappeared into a life of crime, she recoils from his loss and is unable to get out of bed, burdened by feelings of invisibility. Slowly, however, Idora summons the strength to investigate her son’s troubles—and her own weaknesses—as she finds her way back into the light with a couragethat is both remarkable and unforgettable.

“A forceful book . . . at the height of his literary power, Clarke boldly challenges” - Globe and Mail (Toronto)

“More may stand as one of the crowning achievements of Clarke’s career” - Quill & Quire

“Clarke stays true to his politically charged style . . . An introspective examination of the cultural racism and the life of minorities, [a] detailed . . . narrative.” - Publishers Weekly

“A beautifully written exploration of cultural conflicts and one woman’s struggle to find a place for herself emotionally.” - Booklist

“[Clarke] can be expected to bring the reader into the mind of the protagonist, and he doesn’t disappoint with his new novel. . . . This affecting novel will shatter American misconceptions about Canadian race relations. A good option for serious readers.” - Library Journal

“This affecting novel will shatter American misconceptions about Canadian race relations. A good option for serious readers.” - Library Journal

“[Clarke is] a magnificent story teller.” - NY Caribbean News