Transplanted to Toronto from his native Baffin Island, Atuk the poet is an unlikely overnight success. Eagerly adapting to a society steeped in pretension, bigotry, and greed, Atuk soon abandons the literary life in favour of more lucrative—and hazardous—schemes.

Richler’s hilarious and devastating satire lampoons the self-deceptions of “the Canadian identity” and derides the hypocrisy of a nation that seeks cultural independence by slavishly pursuing the American dream.

Mordecai Richler (1931-2001) wrote ten novels; numerous screenplays, essays, children's books; and several works of non-fiction. He gained international acclaim with The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, which was later made into a movie. During his career, he was the recipient of dozens of literary awards, including two Governor General's Awards, The Giller Prize and the Commonwealth Writers Prize. Mordecai Richler was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2001.

Mordecai Richler's profile page

The much-loved, long-time host of CBC Radio's Morningside, Peter Gzowksi was one of Canada's best-known and most respected journalists. He was a Companion of the Order of Canada, winner of several broadcasting awards and the recipient of several honorary doctorates. In addition to The Game of Our Lives, Gzowski wrote many bestselling books. His last book, A Peter Gzowski Reader, was published shortly before his death early in 2002.

Peter Gzowski's profile page