The Master; a Novel

"The Master" by Israel Zangwill is a novel that follows the journey of Matt Strang, a young man from Nova Scotia, who wrestles with poverty and the burdens of family after the tragic loss of his father. Set against the stark Acadian landscape, the story paints a picture of a family's battle for survival and the power of human resilience and follows their grief while trying to make ends meet, as Matt confronts the weight of responsibility and the emotional instability of his mother. He dreams of artistic expression while being tied to the needs of his siblings and the looming threat of losing their home. His devotion to his family clashes with his desire for a life beyond the confines of his rural existence.