Date of Birth: July 20, 1936
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: April 20, 2014
Biography
Alistair MacLeod was a Canadian author renowned for his evocative and poignant storytelling. Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, MacLeod was raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where the rugged landscape and tight-knit community deeply influenced his writing. He pursued his education at St. Francis Xavier University, the University of New Brunswick, and the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his Ph.D. in literature. MacLeod’s literary career began with short stories, which were published in various literary magazines. His collections, “The Lost Salt Gift of Blood” (1976) and “As Birds Bring Forth the Sun and Other Stories” (1986), solidified his reputation as a master of the short story form. His only novel, “No Great Mischief” (1999), received widespread acclaim and won several prestigious awards, including the International Dublin Literary Award. MacLeod’s work often explores themes of family, memory, and the enduring connection to one’s heritage and homeland. His writing is celebrated for its lyrical prose, rich character development, and deep sense of place. Alistair MacLeod passed away on April 20, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of literary excellence that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
5 Interesting Facts about Alistair MacLeod
1. Alistair MacLeod won the International Dublin Literary Award in 2001 for his novel “No Great Mischief.”
2. He spent much of his life as a professor of English at the University of Windsor in Ontario.
3. MacLeod’s writing is often set in Cape Breton, reflecting his deep connection to the region.
4. His short story “The Boat” is considered one of the finest pieces of Canadian literature.
5. MacLeod was known for his meticulous writing process, often taking years to complete a single story.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alistair MacLeod
1. “All of us are better when we’re loved.”
2. “No one has ever said that life is to be easy. Only that it is to be lived.”
3. “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
4. “There is no beauty without some strangeness.”
5. “To be human is to be in a story.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Estimated to be around $1 million at the peak of his career.
Children
Alistair MacLeod had six children: Alexander, Kenneth, Lewis, Daniel, Andrew, and Mary.
Relevant Links
1. [Alistair MacLeod – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alistair_MacLeod
2. [The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/21/alistair-macleod
3. [International Dublin Literary Award](https://www.dublinliteraryaward.ie/author/alistair-macleod/
4. [CBC Books on Alistair MacLeod](https://www.cbc.ca/books/alistair-macleod-1.4094410
