William Ormond Mitchell, known to many as W. O. Mitchell, emerged from a small Canadian prairie town with a population of about five thousand. His early life was marked by the sudden death of his father, the town’s pharmacist, when Mitchell was just seven years old. This event ignited a lifelong fascination with themes of mortality that would later permeate his writing.

Early Life and Education

At the age of twelve, Mitchell faced a significant health challenge when he contracted bovine tuberculosis of the wrist. Doctors recommended a warmer climate, prompting his family to relocate first to California and then to St. Petersburg, Florida. During his high school years in Florida, Mitchell developed an interest in drama, setting the stage for his future career.

Journeys and Diverse Experiences

In 1931, Mitchell embarked on a journey of higher education by enrolling in the University of Manitoba to pursue a medical degree. However, health issues with his wrist interrupted his studies. For several years, he traversed various regions, taking on numerous odd jobs. His stint at the Seattle Times introduced him to the local theater scene and allowed him to refine his skills both as a writer and as a performer of his own works. By 1940, Mitchell had returned to university, where a creative writing course taught by F. M. Salter left a profound impact on him. It was under Salter's mentorship that Mitchell began crafting his first book, Who Has Seen the Wind.

Career Beginnings and Growth

Mitchell's literary career gained momentum as he married, took up teaching, and began publishing short stories in magazines such as Maclean’s and The Atlantic Monthly. After the success of his debut novel, he moved to Toronto to serve as the fiction editor for Maclean’s. His involvement in radio, television, and journalism grew, prompting him to return to his roots in High River, Alberta, to focus more intently on his writing. Over the next seventeen years, he balanced family life with crafting weekly scripts for the CBC radio series Jake and the Kid, which he later adapted into two collections of short stories. His second novel, The Kite, was published in 1962, marking a continuation of his exploration of complex themes. Teaching also became a central aspect of his life, as he took on roles as a writer-in-residence at various Canadian universities.

Themes and Literary Style

A central theme in Mitchell's work is the quest for understanding human existence. Who Has Seen the Wind introduces this motif through the character of Brian O’Connal, a young boy navigating the complexities of life on the prairies. The narrative skillfully balances profound themes with the simple joys and trials of childhood. In this novel, Mitchell explores the journey from naivety to a mature acceptance of life's truths, drawing a close connection to the enduring prairie landscape.

Struggles and Artistic Challenges

Despite his initial success, Mitchell often struggled to replicate the acclaim of his first novel. The short stories from Jake and the Kid series, although entertaining, tend toward sentimentality and moralizing. The Kite continues exploring mortality but is critiqued for its meandering focus and didactic tone. While David Sherry, an embodiment of vitality, captivates readers, he inadvertently overshadows the intended main character. In The Vanishing Point, the focus shifts to Carlyle Sinclair's transformative experiences on a Native American reservation. Although the novel is rich with vivid characters and cultural insights, some critics have pointed to a lack of coherent artistic direction.

A Flourishing Period

The 1980s marked a prolific era for Mitchell, highlighted by his most autobiographical work, How I Spent...