Two Knapsacks: A Novel of Canadian Summer Life

"Two Knapsacks: A Novel of Canadian Summer Life" by J. Cawdor Bell is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story centers around the adventures of two young bachelors, Eugene Coristine and Farquhar Wilkinson, who are members of a literary society in Toronto. It explores themes such as friendship, literature, and the yearning for a simpler life through their decision to embark on a hiking trip, shunning the distractions of urban female society. The opening of the novel introduces the main characters, who find themselves at a literary society meeting that ultimately gets adjourned due to a lack of quorum. Determined to escape the heat of the city, they concoct a plan to undertake a pedestrian tour through the Canadian countryside equipped with their knapsacks. As they prepare for their journey, their humorous banter showcases their personalities and sets the stage for the ensuing adventure. Their preparation emphasizes their quirky determination to seek solace in nature while avoiding the company of women, hinting at underlying social commentary as they embark on a trip colored by their literary aspirations and playful camaraderie.