Raymond Fraser
Biography
Raymond Fraser - photo courtesy of author.
Raymond Joseph Fraser was born on May 8, 1941 to Robert and Ursula Fraser in Chatham, New Brunswick. Fraser was an accomplished novelist, poet, short story writer, teacher, tabloid journalist, editor, and publisher. He attended St. Thomas University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree, played hockey and football, and co-edited the literary Magazine Tom Tom. In 2016, Fraser earned an Honorary Doctor of Letters from his alma mater. An avid traveler, Fraser lived in various parts of New Brunswick, Montreal, Toronto, Ireland, Spain, and France.
A prominent focus in Fraser’s life was his correspondence with fellow poet Alden Nowlan. 1961 marked the beginning of his twenty- two year friendship with Nowlan. In that year, Fraser wrote a letter to Nowlan, whom he considered his literary hero. Nowlan soon made the transition from hero to close friend, becoming an important part of Fraser’s life until Nowlan's death in 1983.
In 1966, Fraser and fellow poet LeRoy Jonson founded the literary magazine Intercourse: Contemporary Canadian Writing, taking contributions from some of Canada’s important literary figures, such as Leonard Cohen, Elizabeth Brewster, Hugh Hood, and of course, Alden Nowlen. Fraser was also involved in the Flat Earth society of Canada, a group dedicated to promote critical thinking. Fraser referenced the society in the title of his memoir When the Earth was Flat. Fraser’s literary career is full of many successes, including the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for High Achievement in the Arts (2009), the Order of New Brunswick (2012), the publication of several works of fiction, poetry, memoir, academic, and biographic pieces.
Ray Fraser passed away in October 2018. His final publication before his death, Through Sunlight and Shadows, won the 2018 fiction prize at the New Brunswick Book Awards.
A prominent focus in Fraser’s life was his correspondence with fellow poet Alden Nowlan. 1961 marked the beginning of his twenty- two year friendship with Nowlan. In that year, Fraser wrote a letter to Nowlan, whom he considered his literary hero. Nowlan soon made the transition from hero to close friend, becoming an important part of Fraser’s life until Nowlan's death in 1983.
In 1966, Fraser and fellow poet LeRoy Jonson founded the literary magazine Intercourse: Contemporary Canadian Writing, taking contributions from some of Canada’s important literary figures, such as Leonard Cohen, Elizabeth Brewster, Hugh Hood, and of course, Alden Nowlen. Fraser was also involved in the Flat Earth society of Canada, a group dedicated to promote critical thinking. Fraser referenced the society in the title of his memoir When the Earth was Flat. Fraser’s literary career is full of many successes, including the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for High Achievement in the Arts (2009), the Order of New Brunswick (2012), the publication of several works of fiction, poetry, memoir, academic, and biographic pieces.
Ray Fraser passed away in October 2018. His final publication before his death, Through Sunlight and Shadows, won the 2018 fiction prize at the New Brunswick Book Awards.
Additional Info:
Author's Personal Website
Author's Wikipedia
Tea with Raymond Fraser
Address to St. Thomas University’s 2016 Graduating Class
In Memoriam
Author's Personal Website
Author's Wikipedia
Tea with Raymond Fraser
Address to St. Thomas University’s 2016 Graduating Class
In Memoriam
The blood throbs in my ears
the air outdoors is still and cold
the ground is buried in snow
a Christmas carol is playing
in the apartment downstairs
playing faintly
and everything else is still
so still I hear the blood in my ears
Chatham, quiet Chatham
warm under the snow
the men are in the tavern
or having a drink around the kitchen table
the women are fixing the Christmas food
before getting ready for midnight mass
The night is cold and clean
the stars are bright in the silent sky
home from Montreal where everything’s busy and hurried
and strangers go about in a frenzy
I sit by the window and think
that Chatham’s the final harbour
of serenity and peace at Christmas time.
Published in Waiting for God’s Angel (Poverty Press, 1967).
Used with permission of the author.
the air outdoors is still and cold
the ground is buried in snow
a Christmas carol is playing
in the apartment downstairs
playing faintly
and everything else is still
so still I hear the blood in my ears
Chatham, quiet Chatham
warm under the snow
the men are in the tavern
or having a drink around the kitchen table
the women are fixing the Christmas food
before getting ready for midnight mass
The night is cold and clean
the stars are bright in the silent sky
home from Montreal where everything’s busy and hurried
and strangers go about in a frenzy
I sit by the window and think
that Chatham’s the final harbour
of serenity and peace at Christmas time.
Published in Waiting for God’s Angel (Poverty Press, 1967).
Used with permission of the author.
Critical Analysis: “Serenity and peace” through structure, content, and imagery in “Christmas Eve at Home”
Louis Anthony Bryan (Advanced Poetry Workshop)
Raymond Fraser’s “Christmas Eve at Home” is a testament to Fraser’s unfailing ability to be brutally honest. Straying from his usual dry wit that lightens a harsh subject, Fraser uses his commitment to honesty to create a far more sentimental piece. Through vivid imagery, creative metaphors, and simple language, Fraser presents an accessible poem to readers about the nostalgia of returning home for Christmas.
Throughout the poem, Fraser demonstrates many stylistic choices that work to bring out his interpretation of a peaceful return home. Although a seemingly minimalist topic, Fraser knows how to paint a picture without being too cumbersome with words and metaphors. For example, his lines “The blood throbs in my ears/the air outdoors is still and cold/the ground is buried in snow” demonstrate his ability to be simple and straight to the point, yet aptly describing his feelings for the serene scene before him (1-3). The poem’s structure and verbal flow is also soothing, reveling in its own simplicity and ability to find a deep peace even amongst the present silence. With no hurried lines, Fraser’s work still manages to fit the requirements of his structure, becoming a reflection of Chatham’s simple pleasures.
While the structure creates the framework for the poem, it also supports the poem’s role as a love letter to Chatham, but one that is modest and ultimately realistic:
Chatham, quiet Chatham
warm under the snow
the men are in the tavern
or having a drink around the kitchen table
the women are fixing the Christmas food
before getting ready for midnight mass (9-14).
Here, Fraser’s simple language deters readers from getting lost amongst a town’s description to instead lead towards an affectionate memory; the actions of the "men" and "women" are clear, yet do not become an overpowering image (11, 13). With just a few quick, simple lines, Fraser brings readers to a warm and inviting place; however, nothing is wasted – each part of the poem has a place and everything is necessary. The "men" and "women," although doing menial tasks, are creating an image of hospitality, entertainment, and celebration for the small town. Despite being a generalization for their gender, the specific mention of people brings a sense of connection between reader and writer, and the people of Chatham. Essentially, it is this need for necessary language that grounds Fraser’s brutally honest style and his ability to work these traits to fit around such a sentimental topic.
Without over-emphasized language, imagery, or metaphors, “Christmas Eve at Home” depicts the sentimental feeling of returning home. For Fraser, Chatham’s “serenity and peace” (21) cannot be found nowhere else, which he aptly describes in the poem’s easy flow, tranquility, and supportive structure, bringing readers into his hometown and towards an understanding of his deep love for it.
Works Cited (for analysis):
Fraser, Raymond. Waiting for God’s Angel. Montreal: Poverty Press, 1967.
Raymond Fraser’s “Christmas Eve at Home” is a testament to Fraser’s unfailing ability to be brutally honest. Straying from his usual dry wit that lightens a harsh subject, Fraser uses his commitment to honesty to create a far more sentimental piece. Through vivid imagery, creative metaphors, and simple language, Fraser presents an accessible poem to readers about the nostalgia of returning home for Christmas.
Throughout the poem, Fraser demonstrates many stylistic choices that work to bring out his interpretation of a peaceful return home. Although a seemingly minimalist topic, Fraser knows how to paint a picture without being too cumbersome with words and metaphors. For example, his lines “The blood throbs in my ears/the air outdoors is still and cold/the ground is buried in snow” demonstrate his ability to be simple and straight to the point, yet aptly describing his feelings for the serene scene before him (1-3). The poem’s structure and verbal flow is also soothing, reveling in its own simplicity and ability to find a deep peace even amongst the present silence. With no hurried lines, Fraser’s work still manages to fit the requirements of his structure, becoming a reflection of Chatham’s simple pleasures.
While the structure creates the framework for the poem, it also supports the poem’s role as a love letter to Chatham, but one that is modest and ultimately realistic:
Chatham, quiet Chatham
warm under the snow
the men are in the tavern
or having a drink around the kitchen table
the women are fixing the Christmas food
before getting ready for midnight mass (9-14).
Here, Fraser’s simple language deters readers from getting lost amongst a town’s description to instead lead towards an affectionate memory; the actions of the "men" and "women" are clear, yet do not become an overpowering image (11, 13). With just a few quick, simple lines, Fraser brings readers to a warm and inviting place; however, nothing is wasted – each part of the poem has a place and everything is necessary. The "men" and "women," although doing menial tasks, are creating an image of hospitality, entertainment, and celebration for the small town. Despite being a generalization for their gender, the specific mention of people brings a sense of connection between reader and writer, and the people of Chatham. Essentially, it is this need for necessary language that grounds Fraser’s brutally honest style and his ability to work these traits to fit around such a sentimental topic.
Without over-emphasized language, imagery, or metaphors, “Christmas Eve at Home” depicts the sentimental feeling of returning home. For Fraser, Chatham’s “serenity and peace” (21) cannot be found nowhere else, which he aptly describes in the poem’s easy flow, tranquility, and supportive structure, bringing readers into his hometown and towards an understanding of his deep love for it.
Works Cited (for analysis):
Fraser, Raymond. Waiting for God’s Angel. Montreal: Poverty Press, 1967.
Bibliography
Primary Sources:
Fraser, Raymond. As I See It. Photographs by students of Saint Thomas University. Fredericton: Xeno-Optic Press, 2017.
---. The Bannonbridge Musicians. Portugal Cove: Breakwater Books, 1978.
---. Before You're a Stranger: New & Selected Poems. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2000.
---. The Black Horse Tavern. Montreal: Ingluvin Publications, 1972.
---. Costa Blanca. Windsor: Black Moss Press, 2001.
---. The Fighting Fisherman: The Life of Yvon Durelle. New York: Doubleday, 1981.
---. "General Stinky's Pony." The Antigonish Review 48.191 (Autumn 2017): 54.
---. The grumpy man: a novella & stories. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2008.
---. In a cloud of dust and smoke: a novel. Windsor: Black Moss Press, 2003.
---. In another life: a novel. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2009.
---. I've Laughed and Sung Through the Whole Night Long and Seen the Summer Sunrise in the Morning. Montreal: Delta Canada, 1969.
---. MacBride Poems. Fredericton: Wild East, 1991.
---. The madness of youth: a novel. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2011.
---. The More I Live. Montreal: Wandering Albatross Press, 1971.
---. Poems for the Miramichi. Montreal: Poverty Press, 1965.
---. “The Prince of Fortara.” The Antigonish Review 150 (Summer 2008).
---. “Raymond Fraser—Canadian Author.” Blogspot. 2007.
---. “Raymond Fraser fonds.” Archives and Special Collections. University of New Brunswick, Nov. 7, 2007.
---. Repentance vale. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2011.
---. Rum River: Stories. Fredericton: Broken Jaw Press, 1997.
---. Rum River. Toronto: Lion’s Head Press, 2016.
---. The struggle outside: a funny serious novel. Scarborough, Ontario: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1975.
---. Through Sunlight and Shadows. Lawrencetown Beach, NS: Pottersfield Press, 2018.
---. The Trials of Brother Bell: two novels, Repentance vale & The struggle outside. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2010.
---. Waiting for God's Angel. Montreal: Poverty Press, 1967.
---. When the Earth was Flat: Remembering Leonard Cohen, Alden Nowlan, The Flat Earth Society, the King James Monarchy Hoax,
the Montreal Story Tellers and Other Curious Matters. Windsor, Ontario: Black Moss Press, 2007.
Fraser, Raymond, Clyde Rose and Jim Stewart, Eds. East of Canada: An AtlanticAnthology. Portugal Cove: Breakwater Books, 1976.
Fraser, Raymond and Todd Matchett. Confessions of a Young Criminal: The Story Behind Allan Legere and the Murder at Black River Bridge. Fredericton: New Ireland Press, 1994.
Primary bibliographic sources provided by New Brunswick Literary Encyclopedia.
Secondary Sources:
Adams, Trevor J. and Stephen Patrick Clare. Atlantic Canada's 100 Greatest Books. Halifax: Nimbus, 2009.
Bowman, Judy. Rev. of The grumpy man, by Raymond Fraser. The Miramichi Leader 10 Nov. 2008: B5.
Garwood, Christine. Flat Earth: The History of the Infamous Idea. New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2008.
Jacobs, Danny. “No Ray of Sunshine.” Rev. of The grumpy man, by Raymond Fraser. Herenb.com. 9 Apr. 2009: A11.
Laugher, Charles T. Atlantic Province Authors of the 20th Century: A Bio-Bibliographical Checklist. Halifax: Dalhousie U Libraries, 1982.
Nowlan, Michael O. Rev. of The grumpy man, by Raymond Fraser. The Daily Gleaner 15 Nov. 2008: D6.
Pelley, Chad. “Raymond Fraser: Atlantic Canada's Man of the Month?” Salty Ink: A Spotlight on Atlantic Canadians Writing. 26 Nov. 2009.
Ripley, Gordon, and Anne Mercer, eds. Who’s Who in Canadian Literature, 1987-1988. Toronto: Reference Press, 1987.
Steeves, Winston Andrew, ed. Alden Nowlan’s Letters to Ray Fraser: 1961-1977. M.A. Thesis. Acadia University, 1996.
Struthers, J. R. (Tim), ed. The Montreal Story Tellers. Montreal: Véhicule, 1985.
Weiss, Allan, ed. A Comprehensive Bibliography of English-Canadian Short Stories, 1950-1983. Toronto: ECW Press Ltd., 1988.
Williamson, Margie. Four Maritime Poets: A Survey of the Works of Alden Nowlan, Fred Cogswell, Raymond Fraser and Al Pittman, as They Reflect the Spirit and Culture of the Maritime People. M.A. Thesis. Dalhousie University, 1973.
Fraser, Raymond. As I See It. Photographs by students of Saint Thomas University. Fredericton: Xeno-Optic Press, 2017.
---. The Bannonbridge Musicians. Portugal Cove: Breakwater Books, 1978.
---. Before You're a Stranger: New & Selected Poems. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2000.
---. The Black Horse Tavern. Montreal: Ingluvin Publications, 1972.
---. Costa Blanca. Windsor: Black Moss Press, 2001.
---. The Fighting Fisherman: The Life of Yvon Durelle. New York: Doubleday, 1981.
---. "General Stinky's Pony." The Antigonish Review 48.191 (Autumn 2017): 54.
---. The grumpy man: a novella & stories. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2008.
---. In a cloud of dust and smoke: a novel. Windsor: Black Moss Press, 2003.
---. In another life: a novel. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2009.
---. I've Laughed and Sung Through the Whole Night Long and Seen the Summer Sunrise in the Morning. Montreal: Delta Canada, 1969.
---. MacBride Poems. Fredericton: Wild East, 1991.
---. The madness of youth: a novel. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2011.
---. The More I Live. Montreal: Wandering Albatross Press, 1971.
---. Poems for the Miramichi. Montreal: Poverty Press, 1965.
---. “The Prince of Fortara.” The Antigonish Review 150 (Summer 2008).
---. “Raymond Fraser—Canadian Author.” Blogspot. 2007.
---. “Raymond Fraser fonds.” Archives and Special Collections. University of New Brunswick, Nov. 7, 2007.
---. Repentance vale. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2011.
---. Rum River: Stories. Fredericton: Broken Jaw Press, 1997.
---. Rum River. Toronto: Lion’s Head Press, 2016.
---. The struggle outside: a funny serious novel. Scarborough, Ontario: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1975.
---. Through Sunlight and Shadows. Lawrencetown Beach, NS: Pottersfield Press, 2018.
---. The Trials of Brother Bell: two novels, Repentance vale & The struggle outside. Toronto: Lion's Head Press, 2010.
---. Waiting for God's Angel. Montreal: Poverty Press, 1967.
---. When the Earth was Flat: Remembering Leonard Cohen, Alden Nowlan, The Flat Earth Society, the King James Monarchy Hoax,
the Montreal Story Tellers and Other Curious Matters. Windsor, Ontario: Black Moss Press, 2007.
Fraser, Raymond, Clyde Rose and Jim Stewart, Eds. East of Canada: An AtlanticAnthology. Portugal Cove: Breakwater Books, 1976.
Fraser, Raymond and Todd Matchett. Confessions of a Young Criminal: The Story Behind Allan Legere and the Murder at Black River Bridge. Fredericton: New Ireland Press, 1994.
Primary bibliographic sources provided by New Brunswick Literary Encyclopedia.
Secondary Sources:
Adams, Trevor J. and Stephen Patrick Clare. Atlantic Canada's 100 Greatest Books. Halifax: Nimbus, 2009.
Bowman, Judy. Rev. of The grumpy man, by Raymond Fraser. The Miramichi Leader 10 Nov. 2008: B5.
Garwood, Christine. Flat Earth: The History of the Infamous Idea. New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2008.
Jacobs, Danny. “No Ray of Sunshine.” Rev. of The grumpy man, by Raymond Fraser. Herenb.com. 9 Apr. 2009: A11.
Laugher, Charles T. Atlantic Province Authors of the 20th Century: A Bio-Bibliographical Checklist. Halifax: Dalhousie U Libraries, 1982.
Nowlan, Michael O. Rev. of The grumpy man, by Raymond Fraser. The Daily Gleaner 15 Nov. 2008: D6.
Pelley, Chad. “Raymond Fraser: Atlantic Canada's Man of the Month?” Salty Ink: A Spotlight on Atlantic Canadians Writing. 26 Nov. 2009.
Ripley, Gordon, and Anne Mercer, eds. Who’s Who in Canadian Literature, 1987-1988. Toronto: Reference Press, 1987.
Steeves, Winston Andrew, ed. Alden Nowlan’s Letters to Ray Fraser: 1961-1977. M.A. Thesis. Acadia University, 1996.
Struthers, J. R. (Tim), ed. The Montreal Story Tellers. Montreal: Véhicule, 1985.
Weiss, Allan, ed. A Comprehensive Bibliography of English-Canadian Short Stories, 1950-1983. Toronto: ECW Press Ltd., 1988.
Williamson, Margie. Four Maritime Poets: A Survey of the Works of Alden Nowlan, Fred Cogswell, Raymond Fraser and Al Pittman, as They Reflect the Spirit and Culture of the Maritime People. M.A. Thesis. Dalhousie University, 1973.
