MacLennan was born in Glace Bay , Nova Scotia on March 20 , 1907 . His parents were Dr. Samuel MacLennan , a colliery physician , and Katherine MacQuarrie ; Hugh also had an older sister named Frances . Samuel was a stern Calvinist , while Katherine was creative , warm and dreamy , and both parents would be large influences on Hugh 's character . In 1913 , the family spent several months in London while Samuel took on further study to become a medical specialist . On returning to Canada , they briefly lived in Sydney , Nova Scotia before settling in Halifax . In December 1917 , young Hugh experienced the Halifax Explosion , which he would later write about in his first published novel , '' Barometer Rising '' . From the ages of twelve to twenty-one , he slept in a tent in the family 's backyard , even in the cold winter , possibly as an escape from his strict father . Hugh grew up believing in the importance of religion ; he and Frances regularly went to Sunday School , and the family attended Presbyterian church services twice each Sunday . He was also active in sports , and became especially good at tennis , eventually winning the Nova Scotia men 's double championship in 1927
Halifax Explosion
Halifax Explosion
Hugh MacLennan