"For a writer of fiction, part of the heart remains that of a stranger, for what we are trying to do is to understand those others who are our fictional characters, somehow to gain entrance to their minds and feelings, to respect them for themselves as human individuals, and to portray them as truly as we can."

This is a collection of essays written between 1964 and 1975 from one of my favourite authors. The essays, all previously published, are about her travels, and the places she has lived. They reveal an understanding and appreciation of her character. And although the essays about Somalia, Egypt and the Suez Canal are a bit dated, considering the changes that have taken place in the areas since, they also provide an interesting historic look at the locations. The parts I enjoyed most were those set in England, Scotland and Canada. Needless to say, the essays are beautifully written, full of humour: the quintessential Margaret Laurence. ( )