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Best books by Jane Urquhart
22nd Sep 2025
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Jane Urquhart is a literary force, renowned for her masterful storytelling that weaves together history, love, and the enduring power of place. Her novels, often steeped in the rich tapestry of Canadian landscapes and heritage, explore complex characters grappling with profound emotional landscapes and the echoes of the past. From the sweeping narratives of historical sagas to more intimate explorations of memory and identity, Urquhart's distinctive voice consistently captivates readers with its lyricism and depth. Now it's your turn to weigh in! We want to know which of Jane Urquhart's incredible novels has resonated most deeply with you. Cast your vote in our poll for your personal favorite, and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's celebrate the enduring brilliance of Jane Urquhart and discover which of her stories reigns supreme in the hearts of her readers.
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#2.
The Underpainter
2/10
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Jane Urquhart's **The Underpainter** is a poignant and deeply evocative novel that masterfully explores the intricate tapestry of memory and influence. Following the life of seventy-five-year-old artist Austin Fraser, the narrative delves into a rich collection of portraits, each a vivid recollection of individuals who shaped his existence. From his eccentric mother to a Canadian soldier, a World War I nurse, the renowned artist Rockwell Kent, and the captivating Sara, a waitress and muse from a remote Ontario mining settlement, Fraser’s canvases become windows into his past and the lives that intersected with his own. Urquhart's prose, as she traverses more than seven decades from the turn of the century to the mid-seventies, is both powerful and exquisitely detailed, seamlessly blending the landscapes of his life with the shifting geography of his imagination.
This novel firmly cements its place on any list of Jane Urquhart's best works due to its profound emotional resonance and exceptional literary craftsmanship. **The Underpainter** showcases Urquhart at the height of her powers, demonstrating her unparalleled ability to weave together personal history with broader societal and historical contexts. The novel's remarkable scope, the sheer force of its prose, and its brilliant depiction of both physical landscapes and the inner world of its characters create an immersive reading experience. Furthermore, the novel culminates in what is widely regarded as one of the most powerful climaxes in contemporary fiction, leaving a lasting impact on the reader and solidifying its status as a truly unforgettable work.
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#2.
The Underpainter
2/10
0
0
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Jane Urquhart's **The Underpainter** is a poignant and deeply evocative novel that masterfully explores the intricate tapestry of memory and influence. Following the life of seventy-five-year-old artist Austin Fraser, the narrative delves into a rich collection of portraits, each a vivid recollection of individuals who shaped his existence. From his eccentric mother to a Canadian soldier, a World War I nurse, the renowned artist Rockwell Kent, and the captivating Sara, a waitress and muse from a remote Ontario mining settlement, Fraser’s canvases become windows into his past and the lives that intersected with his own. Urquhart's prose, as she traverses more than seven decades from the turn of the century to the mid-seventies, is both powerful and exquisitely detailed, seamlessly blending the landscapes of his life with the shifting geography of his imagination. This novel firmly cements its place on any list of Jane Urquhart's best works due to its profound emotional resonance and exceptional literary craftsmanship. **The Underpainter** showcases Urquhart at the height of her powers, demonstrating her unparalleled ability to weave together personal history with broader societal and historical contexts. The novel's remarkable scope, the sheer force of its prose, and its brilliant depiction of both physical landscapes and the inner world of its characters create an immersive reading experience. Furthermore, the novel culminates in what is widely regarded as one of the most powerful climaxes in contemporary fiction, leaving a lasting impact on the reader and solidifying its status as a truly unforgettable work.
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A Map of Glass
Jane Urquhart, acclaimed for her richly evocative prose and profound explorations of memory and identity, delivers a captivating new novel with *A Map of Glass*. Following the success of *The Stone Carvers* and *The Underpainter*, Urquhart masterfully weaves a tale of love, loss, and the enduring impact of our connections to place. The story centers on Jerome, a young artist whose retreat on a remote island is shattered by the discovery of a dead man, Andrew Woodman, frozen in the ice. His encounter with Sylvia, Woodman's former lover, ignites a shared quest for truth, one that will unearth not only the mysteries surrounding Andrew's demise but also the buried histories and hidden desires within their own lives. *A Map of Glass* is a quintessential Jane Urquhart novel, showcasing her signature ability to imbue the natural world with emotional resonance and to delve into the complexities of human relationships across generations. The island setting, rendered with Urquhart's characteristic lyrical detail, becomes a character in itself, reflecting the internal landscapes of Jerome and Sylvia as they navigate their grief and uncover a compelling family saga. This novel is a testament to her skill in crafting narratives that are both deeply personal and sweepingly historical, making it a powerful and unforgettable addition to her distinguished body of work and a must-read for fans of her previous masterpieces.
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The Underpainter
Jane Urquhart's **The Underpainter** is a poignant and deeply evocative novel that masterfully explores the intricate tapestry of memory and influence. Following the life of seventy-five-year-old artist Austin Fraser, the narrative delves into a rich collection of portraits, each a vivid recollection of individuals who shaped his existence. From his eccentric mother to a Canadian soldier, a World War I nurse, the renowned artist Rockwell Kent, and the captivating Sara, a waitress and muse from a remote Ontario mining settlement, Fraser’s canvases become windows into his past and the lives that intersected with his own. Urquhart's prose, as she traverses more than seven decades from the turn of the century to the mid-seventies, is both powerful and exquisitely detailed, seamlessly blending the landscapes of his life with the shifting geography of his imagination. This novel firmly cements its place on any list of Jane Urquhart's best works due to its profound emotional resonance and exceptional literary craftsmanship. **The Underpainter** showcases Urquhart at the height of her powers, demonstrating her unparalleled ability to weave together personal history with broader societal and historical contexts. The novel's remarkable scope, the sheer force of its prose, and its brilliant depiction of both physical landscapes and the inner world of its characters create an immersive reading experience. Furthermore, the novel culminates in what is widely regarded as one of the most powerful climaxes in contemporary fiction, leaving a lasting impact on the reader and solidifying its status as a truly unforgettable work.
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The Stone Carvers
"The Stone Carvers" by Jane Urquhart masterfully interweaves the spiritual journey of Pater Archangel Gstir, sent to the Canadian wilds in 1867, with the burgeoning community he helps foster. Within this transformed landscape, the lives of woodcarver Joseph Becker and his future wife are brought together, laying the foundation for a legacy of artistry. The narrative then leaps forward decades to the aftermath of World War I, where their granddaughter, Klara, a gifted stone carver herself, confronts the immense task of creating a memorial for fallen Canadian soldiers in France. This poignant tale explores themes of faith, family, memory, and the profound connection between the creative spirit and enduring loss. This novel firmly belongs on a list of Jane Urquhart's best works due to its signature strengths. Urquhart is renowned for her lyrical prose, her ability to evoke a deep sense of place, and her exploration of the enduring impact of history on individual lives, all of which are powerfully present in "The Stone Carvers." The novel's intricate structure, weaving together generations and historical events, showcases her talent for intricate plotting. Furthermore, the novel delves into the emotional landscape of grief and remembrance with a sensitivity and depth that are hallmarks of her writing, making it a compelling and unforgettable literary achievement.
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Away
Jane Urquhart's novel "Away" embarks on an epic journey, tracing the resilience and enduring spirit of a family across continents and generations. Beginning on the rugged northern coast of Ireland in the 1840s, the narrative opens with a poignant encounter: a young woman's compassion for a semi-conscious sailor, washed ashore by the tide, sets in motion a destiny that will lead her to the vast landscapes of Ontario, Canada. This powerful beginning sets the stage for a sweeping exploration of displacement, memory, and the invisible threads that bind us to our past. "Away" unequivocally earns its place among the best books by Jane Urquhart due to its masterful storytelling and profound thematic depth. Urquhart, renowned for her evocative prose and intricate character development, as demonstrated in her award-winning novel "The Whirlpool," once again crafts a narrative that is both sweeping in scope and intimately personal. "Away" showcases her signature ability to weave historical context with deeply human emotions, exploring themes of belonging, exile, and the complex legacy of migration. The novel’s exploration of how personal histories are shaped by larger societal forces, coupled with Urquhart's lyrical and evocative descriptions, solidifies its status as a quintessential work in her acclaimed bibliography.
0%The Whirlpool
Jane Urquhart's *The Whirlpool* is an undeniable contender for any list of her best works, a testament to her masterful command of language and her profound understanding of the human psyche. This evocative novel plunges readers into the heart of a haunting love triangle set against the stark beauty of the Ontario landscape, where the vastness of nature mirrors the tumultuous inner lives of its characters. Urquhart’s signature prose, rich with sensory detail and a lyrical rhythm, breathes life into the complex relationships between Patricia, a woman grappling with the aftermath of a devastating loss, the enigmatic artist Andreas, and the grounded, watchful photographer, Robin. The novel is a deeply atmospheric exploration of memory, grief, and the enduring power of connection, showcasing Urquhart’s ability to craft narratives that are both intimately personal and sweepingly epic. What elevates *The Whirlpool* to the upper echelon of Urquhart's bibliography is its potent thematic resonance and its masterful structural design. The narrative artfully weaves together past and present, allowing the reader to understand the deep-seated currents that shape the characters' present actions and desires. Urquhart is a literary cartographer of the soul, charting the subtle shifts and powerful undertows of emotion with remarkable precision. *The Whirlpool* is not merely a story about love and loss; it is a meditation on how landscape shapes identity, how secrets can poison relationships, and how, even in the face of profound despair, the human spirit can find a way to navigate the complexities of life. Its enduring impact and the sheer artistry of its execution solidify its place as a standout achievement in Jane Urquhart's already distinguished body of work.
0%Changing Heaven
Changing Heaven is a captivating novel that masterfully weaves together disparate lives and landscapes, creating a tapestry of profound connection and timeless themes. The narrative journey spans from the urban bustle of Toronto to the wild beauty of the English moors and the romantic canals of Venice, all while seamlessly shifting between present and past. At its heart, the story explores the intertwined destinies of a young Bronte scholar navigating a tumultuous love affair, a pioneering female balloonist from the turn of the century, and an enigmatic explorer, all seemingly touched by the spectral presence, or enduring memory, of Emily Bronte herself. Jane Urquhart delves into the very essence of artistic creation, illuminating how stories permeate our existence and the enduring, cyclical nature of love across generations. This is a novel that elegantly balances darkness and light, juxtaposing the intensity of elemental weather with the quietude of inner calm, making it a quintessential example of Urquhart's distinctive literary voice. This novel undeniably earns its place among Jane Urquhart's best works due to its signature thematic depth and exquisite prose. Urquhart is renowned for her ability to connect seemingly unrelated elements—history, geography, and the inner lives of her characters—into a cohesive and emotionally resonant whole. *Changing Heaven* exemplifies this talent, showcasing her skill in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of art and memory. The novel's layered structure and evocative descriptions of place, coupled with its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the creative process, are hallmarks of Urquhart's most celebrated novels. Readers familiar with her other acclaimed works, like *The Stone Carvers* or *Away*, will recognize the same meticulous research, lyrical writing, and profound psychological insight that make *Changing Heaven* a truly memorable and essential read.
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Sanctuary Line
**Sanctuary Line** invites readers into the evocative world of entomologist Liz Crane as she returns to the crumbling lakeside farm of her childhood. Tasked with studying the majestic migration of monarch butterflies, Liz finds herself immersed in the remnants of a vibrant past, a time filled with family, laughter, and the annual arrival of Mexican harvest workers. Yet, this idyllic recall is haunted by the specter of profound loss and seismic shifts that fractured the seemingly immutable balance of her youth. Through Liz's introspective journey, the novel masterfully weaves a tapestry of memory, exploring the enduring power of childhood joys, the poignant ache of absence, and the complex interplay of human connection against the backdrop of cultural heritage. Jane Urquhart, lauded as an heir to literary giants Alice Munro and Margaret Atwood, delivers a deeply moving and mysterious family saga in **Sanctuary Line**. The novel's rich symbolism and exploration of themes such as time, passion, identity, legacy, and the delicate fragility of human relationships, all while navigating the intricate dialogue between diverse cultures, solidify its place on any list of her best works. Urquhart's signature lyrical prose and profound emotional depth create an immersive experience, making **Sanctuary Line** a testament to her unparalleled ability to craft stories that resonate with timeless power and contemporary relevance.
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The Night Stages
Jane Urquhart's "The Night Stages" is a masterpiece of emotional resonance, weaving together multiple narratives with exquisite prose. Set against the backdrop of a remote, windswept corner of County Kerry in the mid-20th century, the novel centers on Tam, an Englishwoman grappling with the aftermath of war and a complicated love affair. When fog grounds her flight in Gander, Newfoundland, she finds herself confronting the memories that led her to Ireland, particularly her intense relationship with Niall and the lingering mystery of his brother Kieran's disappearance. This grounding becomes a powerful catalyst for introspection, as Tam revisits the formative events and people that shaped her life, from her wartime service to the intimate details of her life with Niall. The brilliance of "The Night Stages" lies in its rich tapestry of stories, seamlessly blending Tam's present predicament with Kieran's poignant past and the parallel artistic endeavor of Canadian painter Kenneth Lochhead. Through Kieran's journey, from a troubled childhood to finding solace and connection in a mountain community with an array of memorable characters, Urquhart explores themes of displacement, belonging, and the quiet wisdom found in unexpected places. The novel is an elegiac exploration of separation, familial sorrow, and the enduring power of home, all rendered with Urquhart's signature lyrical style. It undeniably deserves its place among her best works for its profound emotional depth, its vivid evocation of time and place, and its poignant examination of how life's disruptions can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.
0%In Winter I Get Up at Night
Jane Urquhart's "In Winter I Get Up at Night" is a masterful exploration of memory, landscape, and the enduring power of human connection, making it a quintessential addition to any list of her best works. The novel weaves together the lives of its characters through the stark, evocative backdrop of winter in rural Canada, a setting Urquhart renders with her characteristic lyrical prose and deep psychological insight. Here, she delves into the complexities of family history, the weight of unspoken truths, and the ways in which the past continues to shape the present, demonstrating her unparalleled ability to imbue the seemingly ordinary with profound emotional resonance. What truly elevates "In Winter I Get Up at Night" and solidifies its place among Urquhart's finest is its poignant examination of isolation and resilience. As the characters navigate the frozen landscape, both externally and internally, Urquhart reveals the quiet strength that emerges from vulnerability and the unexpected ways in which solace can be found even in the deepest of winters. This novel, like her most celebrated works, showcases her signature blend of intricate storytelling, breathtaking imagery, and a profound understanding of the human heart, proving why it is an essential read for any admirer of her distinguished literary contributions.
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Storm Glass
Jane Urquhart's debut collection, *Storm Glass*, is a remarkable testament to her burgeoning literary talent, showcasing a stunning virtuosity that immediately set her apart. Within these elegantly crafted stories, Urquhart demonstrates an uncanny ability to unearth universal truths, weaving narratives that effortlessly traverse vast geographical distances and span across generations. From a woman seeking solace in the English moors to a startling confession from a grandmother's past, each tale is imbued with a profound emotional resonance. Ordinary objects are rendered extraordinary, brimming with hidden meanings, while memories shimmer with a significance that speaks to the deeper currents of human experience, illuminating the often-unseen facets of our lives. This collection firmly establishes *Storm Glass* as one of Jane Urquhart's best books, not only for its masterful prose and captivating storytelling but for the foundational elements of her signature style that are so evident here. Urquhart's consistent exploration of the intricate connections between people, place, and memory, her sensitivity to the unspoken emotions that shape relationships, and her ability to evoke a palpable sense of atmosphere are all on full display. The depth and emotional complexity found in these stories, the way they explore themes of love, loss, artistic struggle, and self-discovery, mark them as essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the breadth and power of Urquhart's considerable literary gifts.
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