The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields

“The Stone Diaries” is a fictional autobiography that tells the life story of Daisy Goodwill Flett. The narrative spans the entire 20th century, offering a detailed exploration of Daisy’s experiences from her birth in Manitoba, Canada, through her marriages, motherhood, and later years. The novel employs a variety of narrative styles, including diary entries, letters, and other documents, to paint a rich and nuanced portrait of its protagonist.

Carol Shields’ writing in “The Stone Diaries” has been praised for its insight into the human condition and its innovative narrative structure. The novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the ways in which individuals shape and are shaped by the events of their lives.