Author! Author!: Encounters with Famous Writers

Hugh Oliver is the former editor-in-chief of the OISE (Ontario Institute
for Studies in Education) Press. He is the author of Hoblyn: A Novel in
Three Parts and Voices from the Cradle, Echoes from the Grave: A Volume
of Verse.

This autobiographical account focuses on writers that Williamson has met
with over the years, either for an interview (e.g., Paul Theroux,
Anthony Powell, Margaret Atwood) or on a more familiar basis (e.g.,
Carol Shields, Mavis Gallant). Some might disagree, but information
about the characters and work habits of authors can often provide
insight into their writings. Williamson, who has published four novels
and a collection of short stories and served as chair of the Writers’
Union of Canada and Dean of Applied Arts at Winnipeg’s Red River
College, would seem to have excellent credentials to write such a book.
His personality comes across as congenial enough, but his critical
judgment of the work of others seems hardly to extend beyond “I like
this” or “I don’t like that.” As he attempts to shine a light on
his literary acquaintances, the only person he manages to illuminate is
himself.