Jim Poling

When I first started reading "Tom Thomson: The Life and Mysterious Death of the Famous Canadian Painter", I felt like I was reading a book that was aimed school children. As the author got deeper into the story the prose started to flow; either that or the subject was so interesting that the prose style disappeared.

The writer covers the life of Thomson when he was living and discovering his artistic ability. He then takes a detailed look at the events leading up to Thomson’s death. Next he tackles the controversy about where he is buried and the clandestine expedition that dug up a body where he had first been interred. Finally the author looks at the facts behind the various theories as to how Thomson met his end – was it suicide, accident or murder?

This slim volume laid out all the salient facts in a comprehensive review of the life, death and subsequent controversy over this Canadian icon.… (mehr)