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Literary Fiction· Canada

Fifth Business

by Robertson Davies
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1970English
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that Fifth Business (1970) by Robertson Davies continues to receive. Fifth Business is the first novel in Robertson Davies' acclaimed Deptford Trilogy. It follows the life of Dunstan Ramsay, a Canadian teacher and hagiographer, whose life is profoundly affected by a childhood incident. The novel explores themes of guilt, sainthood, and the interplay between history and myth, offering a rich tapestry of character and narrative that delves into the complexities of human psychology. Themes of guilt, myth, identity run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorRobertson Davies
Published1970
Country of Origin🇨🇦 Canada
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN978-0-14-118615-3
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇨🇦 Canada

This book is part of Canada's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Fifth Business by Robertson Davies sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1970 in Canada, it engages with guilt, myth, identity, psychology in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Fifth Business among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to Fifth Business for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of guilt, myth, identity, psychology is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Robertson Davies's role in the literature of Canada is well established. Fifth Business can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

TIME 100 Best Novels
list · global
20050
✍️
About the Author
Robertson Davies
Canada
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Robertson Davies is a Canada author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fifth Business about?

Fifth Business is the first novel in Robertson Davies' acclaimed Deptford Trilogy. It follows the life of Dunstan Ramsay, a Canadian teacher and hagiographer, whose life is profoundly affected by a childhood incident. The novel explores themes of guilt, sainthood, and the interplay between history and myth, offering a rich tapestry of character and narrative that delves into the complexities of human psychology.

Who wrote Fifth Business?

Fifth Business was written by Robertson Davies, from Canada. First published in 1970.

What awards has Fifth Business won?

Fifth Business has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Fifth Business worth reading?

Fifth Business is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in guilt, myth, identity.

Where can I buy Fifth Business?

You can buy Fifth Business on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Fifth Business?

Fifth Business is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Fifth Business from?

Fifth Business originates from Canada's literary tradition. Explore more books from Canada on our country page.

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