Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town

This was pure unadulterated satirical fun. The title tells you what to expect. The collection of vignettes is full of small town characters that could be found anywhere in America, and apparently in Canada, at any time from the late 19th century right up to the present time. You might have to look harder for them these days, but I know they are still out there, seeing the world from their front porches and bar stools rather than through the lenses of the Big Guys in the City. Every ordinary little episode is laced with cleverness and affectionate humor. My favorite by far was the disastrous (but routine) sinking of the excursion steamer on Lake Wissanoti, with about half the town aboard. Picture the Mariposa Belle settling comfortably show more to the bottom of the six-foot deep lake, and its passengers handily snatching their would-be rescuers from unseaworthy rowboats and dinghies in "one of the smartest pieces of rescue work ever seen on the lake." You might think of Mark Twain, or Garrison Keillor, while reading this. show less

"I don't know whether you know Mariposa. If not, it is of no consequence, for if you know Canada at all, you are probably well acquainted with a dozen towns just like it."

This book is widely regarded as a classic example of Canadian literature. Its reputation as a funny book is also well known, given that its author is the namesake of an award for humour writing. But does it live up to the hype? After all, it was published over 100 years ago; humour can change a lot in that length of time. Fortunately, wry humour is relatively timeless. Leacock relates the adventures (or non-adventures) of the denizens of Mariposa with a flair for the dramatic and tongue firmly lodged in cheek. It's based at least in part on Leacock's experiences in the show more town of Orillia, Ontario, which has since adopted the name of the Sunshine City in tribute. However, residents of small towns across Canada might recognize a few of the characters as living in their own towns.

This was a book where, at the end of a chapter, I would say "That has to be my favourite chapter." Then I would read the next chapter and say "No, that's my favourite chapter." And so on. Each story is self-contained, making it a very good book to read on the bus or as a bedside book, and each showcases a different character or set of characters. My favourite stories were the ones where a minor event was blown completely out of proportion by the townspeople, such as "The Mariposa Bank Mystery" and the classic "The Marine Excursion of the Knights of Pythias", with honourable mention to "The Great Election in Missinaba County" for making me laugh lightheartedly about politics for a change (as opposed to cynically).

If you like books set in small towns, or the early days of Canada, then you should check out this book. The recent CBC adaptation, featuring Gordon Pinsent as the elder Stephen Leacock, is also well worth looking into. show less

Sunshine Sketches offers a quaint, nostalgic view of small town life in Ontario. The structure reminded me of Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio in that both works use interconnected short stories in order to explore a wider range of characters and events to create a fully-rounded portrait of a small town way of life that no longer exists. Though the structure and subject matter is similar, the two are dramatically different in tone, as I found Winesburg to be quite emotionally resonant and Sunshine Sketches to be more gently satiric. My main issue with Sunshine Sketches is that I really couldn’t connect with Leacock’s style of humour, which feels even more unfortunate since he is somewhat of a legend for Canadian humour. He show more enjoys ironically undercutting his descriptions of small-town life by comparing them to events that are grander or more mythical in scope. This tactic quickly grew tedious, so it felt like it took me forever to finish this teensy tiny book. It is clear that underneath Leacock’s playful mockery, he still had a great fondness for small town living. As someone who does not mourn for the “simpleness” of the past, I also couldn’t connect with this book on a nostalgic level either. Life in Mariposa seemed pleasant but dull, so reading this depiction of life in Canada from over one hundred years ago made me feel quite grateful to be living in a more-diverse era. To end on a positive note, the undertaker Golgotha Gingham was iconic so I’m glad I read this book just to meet this gloriously gloomy character. show less

What a delightful book, perfect for the upcoming season. Just lovely! In a way, it reminded me of the recently read Winesburg, Ohio. Oh, not the endearing characters. No, they were totally different from the manic depressives that peopled the Sherwood Anderson book. But I was reminded by the fact that the town is the real star here; the little town of Mariposa, Ontario where the residents vacillate from complete naiveté and innocence to apparent sophistication. Written at about the same time as Winesburg, Ohio, (1912 and 1919 respectively) both books present their towns as they proceed with some trepidation into the new century. Why is it, when we look back at different times in history, we do so with some nostalgia and longing? Maybe show more I’m alone in this but those simpler times, when viewed from afar, appeal to our sense of what’s right with the world.

Filled with humor I couldn’t help but fall in love with these delightful, quirky people whose love for their little town is so apparent. Take Dean Drone of the Church of England Church, on the building of a new church:

”The Dean threw himself into the work. With his coat off and his white shirt sleeves conspicuous among the gang that were working at the foundations, he set his hand to the shovel, , himself guided the road-scraper, urging on the horses, cheering and encouraging the men, till they begged him to desist. He mingled with the stone masons, advising, helping and giving counsel, till they pleaded with him to rest. He was among the carpenters, sawing, hammering, enquiring, suggesting, till they besought him to lay off. And he was night and day with the architect’s assistants, drawing, planning, revising, till the architect told him to cut it out. So great was his activity, that I doubt whether the new church would ever have been finished, had not the wardens and the vestry men insisted that Mr. Drone must take a holiday, and sent him on the Mackinaw trip up the lakes---the only foreign travel of the Dean’s life.” (Page 61)

So if you’re looking for a delightful respite from the stress that’s sure to come in the next few weeks, sit down with Stephen Leacock and the gentle people of Mariposa, Ontario. They are sure to lift your spirits. show less

Published in 1912, the sketches are a Canadian Classic. An example that a tragedy or a comedy is dependant on the attitude of the audience. Everyone would have liked to live in Mariposa, but we increasingly do not get the chance. Both Twain and Leacock are describing towns of their youth, so the audience is somewhat insulated from the experiences described. Useful comic patina is laid on but the pain still apparent .
After all that analysis, this is fun to read, and I have twice.

Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is a delightful read by Stephen Leacock.

I had to read this for a Canadian Literature class, and my gosh is it such a gem! It's one of those historical books I had never even heard of, yet it is such a staple for Canadian culture. Hilarity and hypocrisy ensues in this book, and it's just overall amazing. I'm truly impressed and want to pick up more by this comedic genius.

This collection of stories follows the city of Mariposa and its wacky and unusual residents. Politics, romance and business all intertwine and make this book one joyful ride.

There's lots of sarcasm, irony and satire hidden among this book. The descriptions of Mariposa also prove to be stunning beautiful and absolutely hilarious. Yes, show more indeed if you have seen one Canadian city, you have seen them all!

If you're looking for a little satire with a lot of Canadian wit and culture among it, grab this book. It's also a very positive book, shockingly. It doesn't make you feel negative or disgusted at the town of Mariposa. It's a book you're going to chuckle at. Enjoy the positivity - we need it during times like these.

Five out of five stars. show less

Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is a look at life in a small Canadian town in the turn of the century (19th and 20th). It is told in a series of vignettes highlighting different members of the community. While Leacock is telling the reader the story of Mariposa, it could be any small town. I am sure the characters and situations would be familiar to those in small towns all over North America, and I believe that was Leacock's intention. He tells their stories with humor, often highlighting the character's weaknesses with affection. Leacock does a wonderful job of reminding readers why they left their own small towns, but also why they will always remember their time there fondly.