North End Love Songs & Mennonites

Just back from a huge launch of Katherena Vermette’s first book of poetry, North End Love Songs. After the introductions Rosanna Deerchild read new work based on her mother’s experiences at a residential school that wasn’t closed until 1979.  Kate was poised and confident and gave a splendid reading. Her two daughters were there, and I was there with my daughter Bronwyn. Before leaving McNally’s I also scooped up Jonathan Ball’s new collection The Politics of Knives, and Chadwick Ginther’s Thunder Road, as I was unable to get to their launches. I still have to get Corey Redekop’s Husk.  Interesting to see what the next generation of Mennonite writers is  up to, and need to catch the energy for Rhubarb. Also picked up Heidi Loewen’s Mennonite is the name evil and deception are the game”  a self-published autobiography revealing family secrets. Got rather a strange response at the till when I was trying to remember the title and called it a “Mennonite” book. “It’s not really, its about  family.” It is selling well belying the fact that many Mennonites would rather admit to reading Fifty Shades of Grey.