A Celibate Season

By Carol Shields | Publisher: Random House of Canada

About the book

Originally published in 1991, this remarkable collaboration came about when Carol Shields and her friend Blanche Howard decided to tell two sides of the same story. Carol wrote the man's version and Blanche the woman's.

A Celibate Season is the story of what happens when Jocelyn and Charles, who have been married for years, are faced with a possible ten-month separation. In order to economize, they choose to write to each other rather than use the telephone. Through their letters, we follow the evolution and eventually the breakdown of communication. As the months progress, we begin to see two very distinct views of this time apart. Their \"season of celibacy,\" as they initially joked, is proving to be more of a challenge than either had imagined and tests the strength and commitment of their marriage.

Editions of A Celibate Season

Paperback
ISBN 9780679308881

Read an Excerpt

Originally published in 1991, this remarkable collaboration came about when Carol Shields and her friend Blanche Howard decided to tell two sides of the same story. Carol wrote the man's version and Blanche the woman's.

A Celibate Season is the story of what happens when Jocelyn and Charles, who have been married for years, are faced with a possible ten-month separation. In order to economize, they choose to write to each other rather than use the telephone. Through their letters, we follow the evolution and eventually the breakdown of communication. As the months progress, we begin to see two very distinct views of this time apart. Their \"season of celibacy,\" as they initially joked, is proving to be more of a challenge than either had imagined and tests the strength and commitment of their marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Celibate Season about?

Originally published in 1991, this remarkable collaboration came about when Carol Shields and her friend Blanche Howard decided to tell two sides of the same story. Carol wrote the man's version and Blanche the woman's.

A Celibate Season is the story of what happens when Jocelyn and Charles, who have been married for years, are faced with a possible ten-month separation. In order to economize, they choose to write to each other rather than use the telephone. Through their letters, we follow the evolution and eventually the breakdown of communication. As the months progress, we begin to see two very distinct views of this time apart. Their \"season of celibacy,\" as they initially joked, is proving to be more of a challenge than either had imagined and tests the strength and commitment of their marriage.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Celibate Season?

Fiction > Fiction / Literature / Comics / Graphic novels: special features > Epistolary fiction / fictional diaries

Where can I read a sample of A Celibate Season?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780679308881

Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Celibate Season?

Carol Shields

Who is the Publisher of the book A Celibate Season?

Random House of Canada

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

A Celibate Season is available as paperback(ISBN 9780679308881)

Where can I buy A Celibate Season online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy A Celibate Season?