Sharon Butala

Sharon Butala is a Canadian author and Officer of the Order of Canada known for her literary fiction, non-fiction works, and essays that explore themes of nature, aging, and life on the prairies of Western Canada. Born in Saskatchewan in 1940, Butala gained prominence for her memoir "The Perfection of the Morning" (1994), which detailed her transformation from urban academic to rancher's wife in southwestern Saskatchewan. The book won the Saskatchewan Non-Fiction Award and was a finalist for the Governor General's Award. Her literary work frequently examines the relationships between humans and the natural world, drawing heavily from her experiences living on a cattle ranch for over three decades. Notable works include "Wild Stone Heart" (2000), "Lilac Moon" (2005), and "Where I Live Now" (2017), which won the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction. Butala has published over twenty books across multiple genres, including short story collections, novels, and personal essays. Her writing often addresses feminist themes and the experiences of women in rural settings, garnering numerous awards and recognition throughout her career.

Readers connect deeply with Butala's honest portrayal of prairie life and personal transformation. Many highlight her ability to capture the stark beauty of Saskatchewan's landscape and convey profound connections to place and nature. What readers liked: - Raw, authentic depiction of grief and aging in "Where I Live Now" - Detailed observations of natural world - Clear, unpretentious writing style - Personal resonance for readers from rural backgrounds What readers disliked: - Pacing in some works described as slow - Some find her nature descriptions overly detailed - Earlier works like "Luna" received criticism for underdeveloped characters Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "Where I Live Now" - 4.0/5 (200+ ratings) - "The Perfection of the Morning" - 3.9/5 (150+ ratings) - "Wild Stone Heart" - 3.7/5 (50+ ratings) Amazon: - Average 4.2/5 across titles - Higher ratings for memoir works compared to fiction - "Where I Live Now" most reviewed with 4.4/5

The Perfection of the Morning (1994) A memoir exploring Butala's transition from urban life to living on a remote Saskatchewan ranch, documenting her connection to the natural world and spiritual growth.

Wild Stone Heart (2000) A non-fiction work examining the author's relationship with a specific piece of native prairie near her ranch in Saskatchewan, combining natural history with personal reflection.

Fever (1990) A novel following a woman's journey through illness and recovery while dealing with family relationships and personal transformation.

The Gates of the Sun (1986) A novel set in Saskatchewan about a young woman who becomes involved with a charismatic political activist during the Great Depression.

Luna (1988) A novel about a woman who discovers her psychic abilities while trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of a local girl.

Where I Live Now: A Journey through Love and Loss to Healing and Hope (2017) A memoir chronicling Butala's experiences after the death of her husband and her subsequent move from their ranch to the city.

Season of Fury and Wonder (2019) A collection of short stories featuring elderly female protagonists reflecting on their lives and experiences.

The Girl in Saskatoon: A Meditation on Friendship, Memory and Murder (2008) A true crime investigation into the 1962 murder of Alexandra Wiwcharuk, interwoven with Butala's personal memories of knowing the victim.

Wild Geese (2010) A non-fiction exploration of migration patterns and the relationship between humans and wild birds on the Canadian prairies.

Annie Dillard writes personal essays and memoirs about nature, spirituality, and human connections to wilderness. Her observations of natural phenomena interweave with philosophical reflections, similar to Butala's approach to landscape and meaning.

Wallace Stegner chronicles life in the American and Canadian West through both fiction and non-fiction. His work examines relationships between people and place, focusing on prairie landscapes and rural communities.

Ivan Doig documents life in Montana and the Western frontier through memoirs and historical fiction. His narratives center on ranching communities and the intersection of landscape with personal identity.

Mary Oliver explores human relationships with nature through poetry and essays that focus on detailed observations of the natural world. Her work connects spiritual meaning to wilderness experiences and everyday encounters with nature.

Gretel Ehrlich writes about ranch life, prairie environments, and human adaptation to harsh landscapes. Her memoirs and essays examine solitude, weather, and the ways people build lives in remote natural settings.