3 Review(s)

The story is set in the fictional Canadian town of Elgin, which is inspired by the author's hometown of Brantford, Ontario. The central character of the novel is Lorne Murchison, a dynamic and ambitious young man who becomes involved in local politics and aspires to represent Elgin in the Canadian House of Commons.The title of the novel, "The Imperialist," reflects the central theme of the book, which is the complex relationship between Canada and the British Empire. During this period, Canada was evolving from a colony into a more self-governing dominion within the British Empire. The novel explores questions of national identity, Canadian patriotism, and the tension between loyalty to Britain and Canada's emerging sense of independence.Sara Jeannette Duncan uses wit and humor to critique various aspects of Canadian society, politics, and social norms. She paints a vivid picture of the town of Elgin and its inhabitants, creating a satirical but affectionate portrayal of small-town life in Canada."The Imperialist" is regarded as one of the early works of Canadian literature that dealt with issues of national identity, and it is an important novel for understanding Canada's evolving relationship with the British Empire in the early 20th century. It remains a notable work in Canadian literature and has been studied for its historical and cultural insights.