Sunday, December 26, 2021

The Other Side (Bonus Content) by Leanne Dyck

 The Other Side was the most popular story I shared in 2021. Each chapter earned more page views than any other story or book review or...anything, by a lot. And of these chapters, the most popular were those about Becky and Mara. And so... To celebrate and in gratitude, I share...

This scene takes place when Mara and Owen are still living in Becky and Tom's basement apartment.

photo by ldyck

The Other Side

(Bonus Content)

The basement grew smaller and smaller. The pile of magazines and newspapers encircling the futon increased in size every day. A collection of dirty dishes overran the counter.

"This place is beginning to look like a pigsty," I spat, to myself--but loud enough for Owen to hear, even through his office door.

The door opened and he came out.

"You keep your office so clean and tidy but..."

He started to hum. Hadn't he heard me?

With a louder voice, I asked, "Owen, don't you think it's time to wash the dishes?"

"Go ahead."

I fought hard to stay calm. "It's not my job. We agreed that whoever works at home would do the housework."

"Well, you're not working today. It's Sunday. See you later," he called from the stairs, "I'm going to the park with Tom and Rusty." 

"Fine, the dishes will still be here, waiting for you," I muttered.

I kicked my way through the clutter to the futon. I shoved a pile of laundry--dirty or clean-- off the futon and unearthed my paperback. The book worked magic and took me far away from the mess.

My reading was disturbed by repeated knocking. Not waiting for an answer, Becky burst into our apartment. "Now that the boys are gone, I thought us girls should have a chat."

"No, I'd like to..." I held up my book.

"It's been so nice and sunny lately. I hope it continues. I love to hang the laundry out on the line on a sunny day. It gives the clothes such a fresh smell. Do you like to do housework?"

"Hmm, well... There's just other things that..."

"You don't." She sniffed at the dishes on the counter and made a face. "I can tell. Soon you'll have rats."

Unkind words popped into my head, I'm staring at one right now. It was very unlike me to have such thoughts and I shoved them out of my head. "Owen does the housework."

"Owen? Owen's a man. Just because you don't like to work doesn't mean you should force your responsibilities on poor Owen." She frowned at me. "Men simply aren't cut out for women's work."

"Owen and I agreed that whoever worked from home would--."

"Owen works so hard to keep a roof over your head." She glared at me. "I would think the least you can do is a few dishes. You do want to continue to have a happy marriage, don't you?"

What did she know that I didn't? "Did Owen say something to Tom...?" Worry drove me off the futon and to the counter. I organized the dishes and turned on the tap. 

"I'm sure you'll feel much better once the dishes are done and after you've cleaned up a little." As I continued to work, I heard her footsteps on the stairs.

Encouraged by the popularity of The Other Side, I plan to share a few longer stories in 2022. 

Happy 2022!

photo by ldyck

Helpful Writing Article...




On this blog in December...

Wednesday, December 29
Podcast: Author Reading
I got engaged to protect something precious to me--my life.


Sneak a peek at 2022 and review 2021...

I began 2021 with a set of goals firmly in my mind. I wanted to complete three book-length

Friday, December 24, 2021

On That Plane (short story) by Leanne Dyck

This short story was inspired by Alan Maitland's reading of The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth.

photo by ldyck

 My parents' radio is on a shelf in the kitchen surrounded by Christmas ornaments, cookbooks, and potted plants. I turn the knob.

"Your Canadian Broadcasting Corporation presents, for your listening pleasure," the announcer pauses for emphasis, "Frederick Forsyth's The Shepherd as read by Alan Maitland."

The next voice is Mr. Maitland's, "While waiting for the control tower to clear..."

I wait for this story each year. It captivates me. I'm in the cockpit. I am that pilot, trying to get home for Christmas. All is well until I hear, "The problem started quietly."

A rush of worry travels from my stomach to my heart. No compass. No radio. The cockpit is transformed from a safe cocoon into a coffin. I'm lost in that endless night sky, facing death's unmistakable call. The plane is going to crash and I'm going to drown in the sea, below. 

Please protect me...

Prayer--that's all I have left. Is it enough? It has to be. But what if it isn't?

Anger replaces prayer

Why did I...? Why didn't they...? I don't deserve...?

Acceptance...

I've lived a good life... In this cockpit, in the plane, this is my favourite place... At least I didn't...

Sadness...

I don't want to die... I have so much left... 

Regret...

Why didn't I...? I should have...? It's too... My life is over...

"It was another aircraft," Mr. Maitland reads. 

And I'm no longer alone. A mysterious stranger answers my prayer and leads me safely home. 

Words... Imagination... For me, it makes a precious gift. One I will treasure all my life.


Thank you As It Happens for sharing this recording for over forty years.

Frederick Forsyth's The Shepherd as read by Alan Maitland on CBC Radio

And  new-to-me story for Christmas...

The Story of Iceland's 13 Yule Lads

And new for everyone for Christmas...

Tiny Reindeer Story Time with Chris Naylor-Ballesteros


Merry Christmas!



On this blog in December...


Sunday, December 26
Bonus Content
The Other Side
Leanne Dyck
As The Other Side was hands down the most popular "anything" I shared this year, I thought you might be interested in reading this scene.

Wednesday, December 29
Podcast: Author Reading
Listener's choice. What would you like me to record?

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Book Review: As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride (memoir) by Cary Elwes, published by Simon and Schuster

From auditions to table readings to sword-fighting training to filming, Cary Elwes shares his journey to becoming Westley in the movie The Princess Bride.


From an Independent Bookstore in

Canada

United States

As You Wish: 

Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride

Cary Elwes

Published by Atria Paperback

an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Published in 2016

239 pages

The Princess Bride was one of the first movies my then-boyfriend, now-husband and I watched together. In fact, as a blushing bride, I walked down the aisle to Storybook Love by Mark Knopfler and Willy DeVille. So when my husband brought home a copy of As You Wish I knew I had to read it. And I learned...

Twenty-something, Cary Elwes was just embarking on his acting career when director Rob Reiner saw him in Lady Jane (a movie about Jane Grey) and thought, that's my Westley (one of the two leads in the movie). Carey Elwes was thrilled. He's a fan of the book the movie is based on--having first read it when he was thirteen. 

Many directors--including Robert Redford--had tried to make the movie but author William Goldman was reluctant. Of all his books, The Princess Bride was his favourite. He'd written it for his daughters. As well, directors were warned that the book was too diverse in genre to be a movie.

Rob Reiner managed to get the rights, held onto his carefully crafted vision, persevered and a movie was made.

'We had the right actors, the right crew, the right script, and a sure hand at the helm in Rob.' (p. 114)

People have always loved The Princess Bride. After its first viewing during a Toronto film festival, it won the People's Choice Award.

The challenge was marketing the movie--with such a diverse genre blend which genre should be emphasized? 

Cary Elwes' As You Wish reads like a love letter to the fans of the movie The Princess Bride.



On this blog in December...


Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Short Story
My CBC Radio Christmas Tradition
Leanne Dyck
A short story inspired by Alan Maitland's reading of The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth.

Sunday, December 26
Bonus Content
The Other Side
Leanne Dyck
As The Other Side was hands down the most popular "anything" I shared this year, I thought you might be interested in reading this scene.

Wednesday, December 29
Podcast: Author Reading
I got engaged to protect something precious to me--my life.

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Walk with Me (short story) (romance) by Leanne Dyck

I got engaged to protect something precious to me--my life.


photo circa the 1950s

 Walk with Me

The bus jerked to a stop, threw me out and I landed in a snowbank. Winter's icy fingers made my entire body numb. My boots couldn't gain traction so I skated from streetlight to streetlight until I slid into my apartment.

"Cold out?" My boyfriend Byron greeted me with a kiss.

"Too."

I slowly began to thaw as we watched TV.

He waited for a commercial. "Would you like to go to--."

I would have gone anywhere with him.

"BC?"

I visualized green grass and heard Hawaiian music. "When?"

"You don't even have to think about it, eh?" Byron smiled. "We'll spend Christmas visiting my parents."

Minutes, hours, days dragged past but finally, it was time to pack.

"No, Leanne, it'll be too cold for flip-flops and shorts. BC is still part of Canada. It's still winter," Byron told me.

Side-by-side, Byron and I walked into the airport. The metal detector presented no problem for me.

Unfortunately, Byron wasn't as lucky. Alarms announced his presence. He removed his belt and tried again but was greeted by the same harsh noise. The security guard frowned as Byron emptied his pockets--dimes, nickels, pennies. No change. The security guards surrounded him and I began to panic. How well did I know Byron? What exactly did he have in his pocket?

Laughter? One of the guards slapped Byron on the back, stepped aside and Byron was free.

"Good luck." The security guard called and I wondered why.

We left our city of snowflakes, flew over Saskatchewan, and caught turbulence over Alberta. It felt like riding a bucking Bronco as one air current bounced us up and another slammed us down. I loved every minute of it.

Byron steered me to the luggage carousel, to a curly brunette with glasses. "Hi, Mom." They shared a hug. "This is Leanne."

"Welcome, Leanne." She greeted me with a warm smile. "Have you been to BC before?"

"Yes, once when I was twelve, but never in the winter."

"Oh, well, you'd better bundle up. It's minus ten and raining."

"Mom, we just left minus thirty-five and snow. We'll be fine." Byron didn't stop to zipper his jacket.

In the parking lot, a raindrop hit my shoulder. As I was climbing into the car, another landed on an eyelash. 

"Liquid sunshine," Byron said, "At least I don't have to shovel it."

The rain stopped, the sun shone but I was glad I hadn't packed flip-flops or shorts. The air was chilly.

Byron's parents took pride in showing us their province. We took a water taxi to Granville Island, a sky train to the Science Centre, and their car to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Byron and I were still gawking at the scenery when his parents crossed the bridge.

"Well, let's go," Byron lead me to the bridge.

I hadn't told him that I was scared of heights.

I focused on the blue sky, the evergreens on the other side. Anywhere but down at the flimsy bridge or the rushing water. 

"This is boring." Someone was behind me. He sounded young, like a teenager.

"No, it's not," said another teenage boy, "It's like surfing. See."

The bridge began to rock back and forth. 

I tightly wrapped both hands around the rope, closed my eyes, and willed myself all the way back to Manitoba.

"Move," the boys yelled, but I didn't care.

"Hey, Leanne," that was Byron's voice. "What's the matter?"

I opened my eyes. "I want to get off this bridge."

"We will. We're halfway over, already."

Half. Way. 

Laughter as the bridge rocked even harder. 

"Stop. My girlfriend is scared," Byron told them.

"Sorry," one of the teenagers said.

"We have to cross the bridge," Byron told me.

"But I...I..."

"Don't look down. Look at me."

I took a step.

"That's right, very good. See, you can do this."

I didn't cross that bridge, I walked to Byron and together we made it safely to the other side. 

"Congratulations," Byron's parents greeted me. "We didn't think you'd make it."

"Neither did I." We shared a laugh.

"Leanne, come with me. I want to talk with you." Byron sounded so serious--and that worried me. Was he going to break up with me--because I'd embarrassed him; because I'd been such a chicken? Would I have to cross the bridge alone? I knew I could never do that. I visualized my death so clearly that it was hard to focus on Byron's words.

He cupped my hands in both of his. "Leanne, we've known each other for several months now. Things seem to be going okay. And I... I... I love you with my whole heart and..." He looked up from my hands into my face. "Leanne, what I'm trying to say--. What I want to ask you is... Will you marry me?"

Well, that blew me away. I threw my arms around him and we kissed. "Can I think about it?"

We laughed and kissed, kissed and laughed.

"Well?"

"Of course, I'll marry you."

The heavens opened, angels sang, doves flew, the world rejoiced, or maybe that was all in my head. 

Byron dug into his pocket and produced a box. "This is the reason the security guards stopped me." 

I opened the box and found a twinkling diamond.

Only one question remained. "With our heads in the clouds, how are we going to make it back over that bridge?"

"Together," Byron told me and we did.

Thirty-one years ago, on December 23, 1990, Byron and I became engaged.


On this blog in December...


Wednesday, December 15
Podcast: Author Reading 
A nice story about my parents' naughty kid.

Sunday, December 19
Book Review
As You Wish:
Inconceivable Tales From The Making of The Princess Bride
Cary Elwes
(memoir)

Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Short Story
My CBC Radio Christmas Tradition
Leanne Dyck
A short story inspired by Alan Maitland's reading of The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth.

Sunday, December 26
Bonus Content
The Other Side
Leanne Dyck
As The Other Side was hands down the most popular "anything" I shared this year, I thought you might be interested in reading this scene.

Wednesday, December 29
Podcast: Author Reading

Listener's choice. What would you like me to record?



Sharing my Author Journey...

Bill Richardson was the host of one of my favourite radio shows--Richardson's Roundup on CBC. One day, I heard him request stories answering the question, Why did you marry? In response, I wrote... (what would eventually become the story you just read. If you would like to read the original, please keep reading.)

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Book Review: The Thursday Murder Club (cozy mystery) by Richard Osman, published by Penguin Books

 What's a cozy mystery?

Benni Chisholm addresses this question in her brief article.

I was charmed by this mystery that celebrates the ability of seniors.




Buy this Book

From an Independent Bookstore in

Canada

United States

Published by Penguin Books

Published in 2020

361 pages


In the fictitious town of Fairhaven, Kent, England, there is a retirement village--Coopers Chase--where senior citizens whittle away their days strolling through the gardens, sharing baking, drinking wine, and attending club meetings.

Every Thursday, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, Ron, and Joyce meet to discuss murder--old cases and new. This group of friends is analytical, experienced, capable, and quick--they even outperform the police, they even share their leads with the police.

'"however good the police are, you lot are better."' (p. 217)

They solve case after case, and they find forbidden love, brotherly love, eternal love--and they unearth secrets. Oh, so many secrets.

'"Remember when you moved here, and I told you it was a mistake? I told you it would be the end of you? Sitting in you chair, surrounded by other people just waiting out their days? I was wrong... Your eyes are alive, your laugh is back, and it's thanks to Coopers Chase."' (p. 348)


And the best news yet...

The next book in this series has been published

The Man Who Died Twice



On this Blog in December


Wednesday, December 8
Podcast: Author Reading
Leanne Dyck
A short story about appearing on stage at my husband's office party.

Sunday, December 12
Short Story
Walk with Me
by Leanne Dyck
A trip to BC ends with a near-death experience.

Wednesday, December 15
Podcast: Author Reading 
A nice story about my parents' naughty kid.

Sunday, December 19
Book Review
As You Wish:
Inconceivable Tales From The Making of The Princess Bride
Cary Elwes
(memoir)

Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Short Story
My CBC Radio Christmas Tradition
Leanne Dyck
A short story inspired by Alan Maitland's reading of The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth.

Sunday, December 26
Bonus Content
The Other Side
Leanne Dyck
As The Other Side was hands down the most popular "anything" I shared this year, I thought you might be interested in reading this scene.

Wednesday, December 29
Podcast: Author Reading
Listener's choice. What would you like me to record?

Sharing my author journey... 

While bored out on a walk, my dog and I play a game of seek-the-treat. I toss the treat ahead

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Ex (short story) by Leanne Dyck

People come into your life for a reason. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what that reason is--but there's always one. And this short story was inspired by that theory.


photo by ldyck

 Ex

The elevator door slid closed and my boyfriend fell against a wall. I fell on top of him--lips first. Wet kisses. Ryan's lips are thick like an overstuffed leather loveseat. I could stay there forever, but he shoved me off. He...shoved...me? That wasn't like him. He knew how lucky he was to be with me. We'd only been together four weeks, but he knew. I mean, come on. I notice how guys look at me. I have a body other women would kill for. I'm not exaggerating. Kill. I'm a goddess. 

Holding me at arm's length, he looked across the car when he said, "Sorry, we didn't see you there."

Hidden in shadow, dressed in black, she was more like a wraith than a woman--and not our concern. 

I pushed my way to Ryan's lips, but he held me still. "Wait."

Her black stringy hair swayed as she reached for the elevator panel. "I'm sorry. I'll...I'll get off here and use the stairs." Her fat sausage index finger reached for the button.

Finally, we'll be alone, was what I thought, but Ryan said, "No, you have every right to use this elevator. We're the ones in the wrong."

Her face cracked into an awkward grin. "Thank you," she mumbled to the floor.

That's how I met her. She must have lived somewhere in the building but it was like she was the ghost of the elevator. She was always there.

A couple of days ago she was--as usual--lurking in the elevator when I got on. She was quiet for a while, but then she said, "He used to be my boyfriend. He used to call me sexy."

That's when I knew she was crazy. I mean it can't be true. It...it can't be... 


On this blog in December...

Wednesday, December 1
Podcast: Author Reading 
Leanne Dyck
"Oh, it's just too silly... Isn't it?"

Sunday, December 5
Book Review
Thursday Night Murder Club
Richard Osman
(mystery)
A group of senior citizens forms a club to solve mysteries.

Wednesday, December 8
Podcast: Author Reading
Leanne Dyck
A memory of one of my favourite gifts.

Sunday, December 12
Short Story
Walk with Me
by Leanne Dyck
A trip to BC ends with a near-death experience.

Wednesday, December 15
Podcast: Author Reading 
A nice story about my parents' naughty kid.

Sunday, December 19
Book Review
As You Wish:
Inconceivable Tales From The Making of The Princess Bride
Cary Elwes
(memoir)

Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Short Story
My CBC Radio Christmas Tradition
Leanne Dyck
A short story inspired by Alan Maitland's reading of The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth.

Sunday, December 26
Bonus Content
The Other Side
Leanne Dyck
As The Other Side was hands down the most popular "anything" I shared this year, I thought you might be interested in reading this scene.

Wednesday, December 29
Podcast: Author Reading
Listener's choice. What would you like me to record?

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Book Review: Astra by Cedar Bowers, published by McClelland & Stewart

 A child is born in a commune, somewhere in British Columbia, to an unwed mother.

Who is this child?

Solving this mystery drives the plot forward. Details are portioned out sparingly as we gain a clearer understanding of Astra. Insight is provided by family and friends. Astra doesn't take ownership of her story until the Epilogue.

An unwed mother dies giving birth.

Astra Winter Sorrow Brine is left to be raised by her neglectful and self-absorbed father Raymond Brine.

Who should raise a child? How? How do you maintain or establish a relationship with your child--from infancy to adulthood? The relationship between parents and children is one of the central themes.




From an Independent Bookstore in

Canada

United States


Astra
Published by McClelland & Stewart
Published in 2021
286 pages
longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize 2021
(Of special significance to me as a Southern Gulf Island resident, 
Cedar Bowers lives on Galiano Island)

Astra is a unique book.

Each chapter in Astra is like a stand-alone short story. The re-occurrence of one character Astra unifies the book into a novel. Cedar Bowers is a methodical author. Astra is a must-read.

Anne Logan's review of Astra by Cedar Bowers

On This Blog in November


photo by ldyck



Wednesday, November 24
Podcast Author Reading

Sunday, November 28
Short Story
Ex
by Leanne Dyck

Sunday, November 14, 2021

Visiting the Neighbours (short stories) by Leanne Dyck

 This slightly embarrassing story was inspired by a childhood memory that popped into my head as I read Mary Lawson's A Town Called Solace.


Visiting the Neighbours

I was maybe four or five when my parents sold off part of their acreage and we got closer neighbours. As it turned out very nice neighbours. I'd cross the driveway to visit them almost every day. I especially enjoyed watching Mr. "Neighbour" putter. He built things with wood--a bird with wings that flapped when I pulled a string and a lumberjack that sawed wood when the wind blew the propeller. It was like being in Santa's workshop. 

One day, he greeted me with, "Well, hello, there, my little girlfriend." He was always saying funny things, but I didn't laugh.

When I got home, I wore worry on my baby face. 

Mom asked, "What's wrong?"

I told her that "Mr. Neighbour" had called me his little girlfriend. "I don't want to break up their marriage."

Possibly, I'd been watching too many "soap hopperas".



About the picture...

While playing at the "Neighbours", I fell asleep on the chesterfield--using their Boston Terrier Perky as my pillow, but Mrs. "Neighbour" thought I'd be more comfortable on one of their beds. The trouble was, each time she came close to try to move me, Perky growled. As if to say, don't disturb her. She's sleeping. So all Mrs. "Neighbour" could do--or was allowed to do--was snap the picture.

The minute I woke, Perky jumped down, ran outside, and peed. I'm not sure how long he had been holding it.  

On This Blog in November

photo by ldyck





Wednesday, November 17
Podcast Author Reading

Sunday, November 21
Book Review
Astra
Cedar Bowers
long-listed for the Scotiabank Giller Prize
and my winner
Because...

Wednesday, November 24
Podcast Author Reading

Sunday, November 28
Short Story
Ex
by Leanne Dyck

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Leaving Her (short story) by Leanne Dyck

What would you do if you were forced to leave behind all that you cherished?

photo by ldyck

Leaving Her

He looked across the bed to where his strawberry blonde beauty slept. Her chest rose and fell with each breath. He lay there wanting to stay, knowing he had to go.

Fighting his desires, he eased back the quilt. He dressed quickly, but quietly ensuring not to wake her, and as if on cat paws he hurried into the kitchen. Ladling water into the basin, he washed his face. The cold water enlivened him. He looked up, through the kitchen window. 

Two solid beams of light cut through the darkness. 

Returning to the bedroom, he retrieved his suitcase from under the bed, lay it on the chair, and unfastened the leather straps. He grabbed underwear, shirts, pants and slipped them inside.

Being unable to resist her magnetic pull, he walked over to her side of the bed. His heart longed for her. He bent down and kissed her cheek. "I will always love you," he whispered. 

Boot heels struck the porch floorboards. That was his signal. Suitcase in hand, he rushed out of the bedroom, through the kitchen to the door. He pulled it open before they knocked. Wordlessly, he followed them. 

Entrance to the gardens
photo by ldyck

In 1942, bowing to public pressure, the Canadian government began interning Japanese nationals and Japanese-Canadians citizens. Nationals and citizens were stripped of their rights, homes, possessions, and way of life. In 1944, Japanese Canadians were ordered to leave BC or face deportation to Japan. It was not until 1988 that Japanese-Canadians received compensation for the wrongs done to them during the Second World War. 

On Mayne Island, a Japanese garden grows as a living tribute to the Japanese-Canadian islanders who were forced to leave.

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

photo by ldyck

Further reading...

Book Review:  All We Left Behind by Danielle R Graham

On This Blog in November

photo by ldyck




Sunday, November 14
Short Story
Visiting the Neighbours
Leanne Dyck

Wednesday, November 17
Podcast Author Reading

Sunday, November 21
Book Review
Astra
Cedar Bowers
long-listed for the Scotiabank Giller Prize
and my winner
Because...

Wednesday, November 24
Podcast Author Reading

Sunday, November 28
Short Story
Ex
by Leanne Dyck


Sunday, November 7, 2021

Book Review: A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson published by Knopf


Set in the fictitious northern Ontario town of Solace in September 1972, A Town Called Solace centres on three town residents--seven-year-old Clara Jordan, seventy-two-year-old Elizabeth Orchard, and thirty-four-year-old Liam Kean. With elements of mystery and romance and light touches of humour, the story explores how circumstances marry this cast of diverse characters. 

Clara

After fighting with her mother, Clara's sixteen-year-old sister Rose runs away. Clara maintains a silent vigil--willing her sister to return home. Very little drags Clara away from the living room window--just school and caring for the next-door neighbour's cat Moses.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a retired kindergarten teacher. Three years and eight months ago, Elizabeth's husband Charles died. After his death, Elizabeth moved from Guelph to live with her sister in Solace. Elizabeth's sister has since passed away. Solace is where Elizabeth befriends Clara--thanks to Moses. 

Unfortunately, due to heart problems, Elizabeth has to go to the hospital--leaving Moses behind to be taken care of by Clara.

Liam

Liam has recently ended his career in accounting and is newly separated from his wife Fiona. He has moved from Toronto to live in Mrs. Orchard's house. Why? What is he doing in that house? That's what Clara wants to know. 


Buy this Book 

From an Independent Bookstore in

Canada

United States

A Town Called Solace

Mary Lawson

Published by Alfred A. Knopf

Published in 2021

288 pages

long-listed for the 2021 Booker


Thrown headlong into the fascinating and familiar town of Solace, I read this book in big gulps. I loved every minute of my stay--up to and including the last page. I especially enjoyed the key role Moses plays in the story.

I'd highly recommend Mary Lawson's other books--Crow Lake and The Other Side of the Bridge--as well. I've yet to read Road Ends. Perhaps, I should be quick to correct this omission--especially in light of how I've enjoyed her other books. There are just so many books and so little time. 

Mary Lawson interviewed by Penguin Random House

The Promise by Damon Galgut won the Booker

How to watch The Scotiabank Giller Prize 

Monday, November 8. Tonight! 



On This Blog in November

photo by ldyck




Thursday, November 11
Remembrance Day
Short Story
Leaving Her
Leanne Dyck

Sunday, November 14
Short Story
Visiting the Neighbours
Leanne Dyck

Wednesday, November 17
Podcast Author Reading

Sunday, November 21
Book Review
Astra
Cedar Bowers
long-listed for the Scotiabank Giller Prize
and my winner
Because...

Wednesday, November 24
Podcast Author Reading

Sunday, November 28
Short Story
Ex
by Leanne Dyck


I finally took a nice selfie and I just had to share it with you.

Sharing My Author Journey...

Regardless of what anyone says, no one person, thing, or event is going to