Perhaps the most classic novels of Mazo de la Roche’s monumental family saga are these four, which were the first books written in the series, though they fall in the middle of her books’ multi-generation narrative. These, including the original novel Jalna, were the books that first established the world of Jalna in the minds of readers and de la Roche herself, and set the stage for the twelve sequels and prequels that were to follow.

Includes

Whiteoak Heritage Whiteoak Brothers Jalna
Whiteoaks of Jalna

Mazo de la Roche, in 1927, was an impoverished writer in Toronto when she won a $10,000 prize from The Atlantic Monthly for her novel Jalna. The book became an immediate bestseller and was eventually adapted for stage, screen, and television. Known for creating unforgettable characters that come to life for her readers, Mazo de la Roche is truly an icon of Canadian literature.

In 1927, Mazo de la Roche was an impoverished writer in Toronto when she won a $10,000 prize from the American magazine Atlantic Monthly for her novel Jalna. The book became an immediate bestseller. In 1929, the sequel Whiteoaks also went to the top of bestseller lists. Mazo went on to publish 16 novels in the popular series about a Canadian family named Whiteoak, living in a house called Jalna. Her success allowed her to travel the world and to live in a mansion near Windsor Castle. Mazo created unforgettable characters who come to life for her readers, but she was secretive about her own life and tried to escape the public attention her fame brought.

Mazo de la Roche's profile page