Rating: 
Summary: Canada dry mock
Review: This is my first encounter with Robertson Davies. I had never heard of him, and would not have read him if he weren't noted in the reader's list of the Modern Library's top 100 novels. And how unfortunate it would have been had I not picked up this book!The Cunning Man is an examination of the life of a doctor, told by himself. Asked to recall the story of the strange death of Father Ninian Hobbes which he witnessed, he recounts his past; his childhood, his schooling, the work of his profession, the influences that have made him who he is. In doing so, he shares with us his observations on the nature of life, love, art, illness, friendship, and many other things. Davies lets us have a picture of life, complete with accomplishments and disappointments, dreams and dreams undone, and makes it real and interesting and intelligent. I can understand the appeal he has for his fans and I will be reading more of Davies' books soon.
Rating:
Summary: Elegantly crafted and narrated
Review: When I read Fifth Business I knew instantly that Robertson Davies would become one of my favorite authors. The Cunning Man has confirmed that opinion. Davies is the master of creating passive observer narrators, characters who are fascinating in and of themselves, but remain just aloof and removed enough so as not to feel like they are influencing the course of events in the story. Dr. Jonathan Hullah, the cunning man, is just that type. Observant, witty, charming, and opinionated (when an opinion is required), he narrates an engrossing tale that spans his entire lifetime. As he beautifully unfolds the mystery behind the death of Father Hobbes, as well as weaving several other elegant plot lines, he reveals throughout his thoughtful insights on humanity. This is a delightful book.
Rating:
Summary: Elegantly crafted and narrated
Review: When I read Fifth Business I knew instantly that Robertson Davies would become one of my favorite authors. The Cunning Man has confirmed that opinion. Davies is the master of creating passive observer narrators, characters who are fascinating in and of themselves, but remain just aloof and removed enough so as not to feel like they are influencing the course of events in the story. Dr. Jonathan Hullah, the cunning man, is just that type. Observant, witty, charming, and opinionated (when an opinion is required), he narrates an engrossing tale that spans his entire lifetime. As he beautifully unfolds the mystery behind the death of Father Hobbes, as well as weaving several other elegant plot lines, he reveals throughout his thoughtful insights on humanity. This is a delightful book.
Rating:
Summary: full of cunning, beauty, and kindness
Review: While reading this book, I could not help but be reminded of the pleasure of sipping a really fine, perfectly aged wine. It was a pleasure best enjoyed in measured, temperate tastings. Thus I cannot disagree with any of the other reveiws, including those which did not care for the book. There are times, after all, when one feels like having a strong cup of coffee, a cup of cold water, or a good thick milkshake, not a leisurely glass of wine. It is not a book to pump up your adrenaline, fascinate you with radical notions or conceits, or dazzle you with intrigue and suspense. It is a story that is told as - and which actually is - an intimate revelation from author to reader, full of wisdom, beauty, and the love of man. It may not be a masterpiece, but I could not help but marvel at the heart and mind of the master who produced it. The end seemed a bit flat, but as I read it, I could not help but imagine that both Davies and Dr. Hullah would not be so presumptuous as to conclude our acquaintance in any manner other than as the most unprepossessing of gentlemen.
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