Raymond Fraser

A leading Canadian writer, Raymond Fraser is the author of the following books:

Fiction

• In A Cloud Of Dust And Smoke - 2003
• Costa Blanca - 2001
• Rum River - 1997
• The Bannonbridge Musicians - 1978
• The Struggle Outside - 1975
• The Black Horse Tavern - 1973

Biography

• Todd Matchett: Confessions of a young criminal - 1994
• The Fighting Fisherman : the life of Yvon Durelle - 1981

Poetry

• Before You're A Stranger - 2000
• Macbride Poems - 1992
• The More I Live - 1971
• I've laughed and sung - 1969
• Waiting for God's Angel - 1967
• Poems for the Miramichi - 1966

WHAT'S BEEN SAID: "Raymond Fraser's booming Maritime vigour and directness seem, with subtle undertows of psychological configuration, like a roaring tide battering the literary shore. His narrative ancestors are not only the old salts of every Maritime tavern or watering-hole, but also the more commemorated figures of Mark Twain and Hugh Garner." -- Keith Garebian, "The Montreal Story Tellers" (Vehicule Press)

THE BLACK HORSE TAVERN "A highly original voice that is occasionaly sad, sometimes very comic. A real pleasure to read." (Alan Dawe, Vancouver Sun)

"One of the most gifted writers I know, and among his gifts are two that are all too rare: a zest for life and a sense of humour. He belongs to the timeless tradition of story tellers." (Alden Nowlan, Author)

"The best writer to come belling out of the Maritimes in decades." (Farley Mowat, Author)

THE STRUGGLE OUTSIDE "An almost surrealistic account... it represents the best in contemporary satire. Outrageously funny." (BEST SELLERS, New York)

"Literally one of the best books I've ever read. I split a gut from cover to cover An overlooked masterpiece." (Bernell MacDonald, Author, "Birds of Passage," etc.)

"Ezuberant, comic... a satiric edge freqently bordering on Absurdist Fantasy." (Linda Sandler, Saturday Night)

THE BANNONBRIDGE MUSICIANS (Nominated for Governor General's Award) "It's well-written, it's touching, it's full of life, and it's funny." (Andre Vigneult, CBC Radio)

"A rollicking story, well told." (William French, Globe & Mail)

THE FIGHTING FISHERMAN: THE LIFE OF YVON DURELLE "An authentic Canadian tragic hero... Superb!" (Tim Burke, Montreal Gazette)

TODD MATCHETT: CONFESSIONS OF A YOUNG CRIMINAL "A fine book, written in clear, clean prose. Insightful and compelling." (Philip Lee, New Brunswick Reader)

RUM RIVER "Comic and horrifying." (Heather Sanderson, Canadian Literature)

"Perceptive, magnetic and laced with humour." (Anne Ingram, The Gleaner)

"As with all Raymond Fraser's books, almost impossible to put down." (Brian Jeffrey Street, Author, "The Parachute Ward," etc.)

COSTA BLANCA "Entertaining and provocative." (Michael O. Nowlan, The Gleaner)

"A first-rate collection, well-written and thoroughly entertaining. In its way every bit as good as his previous book, 'Rum River'." (Marc Plourde, Author & Translator)

I'VE LAUGHED AND SUNG (Poems) "Unfailingly interesting and impossible to put down once I started. The poems have wit and a perfectly authentic consistency—a subtle play against a constant background bass of despair or cosmic absurdity. Wonderful stuff!" (Louis Dudek, Poet & Critic)

More information available at:

http://www.blackmosspress.com/2FraserRaymond.html.