Date of Birth: January 27, 1931
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: July 3, 2001
Biography
Mordecai Richler was a Canadian author, screenwriter, and essayist, born in Montreal, Quebec. Richler is best known for his novels “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz,” “St. Urbain’s Horseman,” and “Barney’s Version,” which explore themes such as Jewish identity, the complexities of Montreal life, and the human condition. Richler’s works often reflect his sharp wit and keen observation of human nature. Richler grew up in a working-class Jewish neighborhood in Montreal, which significantly influenced his writing. He attended Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University) but left before completing his degree to pursue writing in Paris. His early novels gained modest success, but it was “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” that catapulted him to fame. Richler’s later novels and essays continued to garner critical acclaim, and he became a prominent voice in Canadian literature. In addition to his novels, Richler wrote screenplays, children’s books, and numerous essays, contributing to various publications. He was a vocal critic of Quebec separatism and often commented on Canadian and international politics. Richler’s legacy includes a profound impact on Canadian literature and culture.
5 Interesting Facts about Mordecai Richler
1. Mordecai Richler’s novel “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” was adapted into a successful film in 1974, starring Richard Dreyfuss.
2. He was a five-time recipient of the Governor General’s Award, one of Canada’s most prestigious literary prizes.
3. Richler’s final novel, “Barney’s Version,” was published in 1997 and won the Giller Prize.
4. He was an outspoken critic of the Quebec separatist movement, which made him a controversial figure in his home province.
5. Richler was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2001, shortly before his death.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mordecai Richler
1. “I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I am afraid of.”
2. “Life is a game and true love is a trophy.”
3. “A writer’s country is his language.”
4. “Every man has to find his own way to live with a world that is, in the final analysis, unlivable.”
5. “You can’t do it better than you’ve done it. You can only do it worse.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Mordecai Richler’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Mordecai Richler had five children with his wife, Florence Wood. Their names are Daniel, Jacob, Noah, Martha, and Emma Richler.
Relevant Links
1. [Mordecai Richler – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordecai_Richler
4. [Governor General’s Awards](https://ggbooks.ca/past-winners-and-finalists
5. [Order of Canada Citation](https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-15652