"Oh, Canada, glorious and free!" these words from Canada's national anthem draw many immigrants to "the true North strong and free." Austin Clarke's short story "Canadian Experience," portrays the struggles of a Barbadian man who has moved to Toronto, Ontario Canada - against the wishes of his father - to find his fortune. Clarke does not name the principal character until closer to the end of the story. He has had to change who he is to make a meaningful life in Canada. George struggles with the fact that "he is ready for bigger things" but is finding it difficult to reach his goal. When ones race and morals are different, moving to a new country can be the most difficult transition of life.

Clarke did not give the main character of his story a name until late in the story. While George is comparing his possessions "so...