News

CB railways book shortlisted for writing award

Posted by on June 8, 2013

Cape Breton RailwaysThe Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS) announced the shortlists for its 2013 WFNS Literary Awards on Saturday evening in Halifax.

Cape Breton Railways: An Illustrated History, by Herb MacDonald, published by Cape Breton University Press (2012), is shortlisted for the Evelyn Richardson Memorial Non-Fiction Award.

The book looks at the Island’s railways in the contexts of economic, political and social developments on and beyond Cape Breton supported by a rich array of photographs, drawings, maps, documents and artifacts to illustrate the themes and events within the Island’s railway history.

Winners will be announced and awards presented at the WFNS Literary Awards Ceremony in Halifax on September 21, following a day of public events and readings celebrating the awards. Shortlisted writers for three WFNS awards (Thomas Head Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award, the Atlantic Poetry Prize and the Richardson award) will also appear at Halifax’s Word on the Street Book and Magazine Festival on the Halifax waterfront the following day.

The shortlist for all three awards is included in this release and can be viewed at www.writers.ns.ca.

 

The Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS) announced the shortlists for its 2013 WFNS Literary Awards on Saturday evening in… Continue»

“a fascinating peek”: review of Anna Swan

Posted by on June 6, 2013

The Extraordinary Life of Anna SwanA nice review of The Extraordinary Life of Anna Swan by Anne Renaud can be found on Goodreads.com

“This book gives an interesting overview of her life, with lots of photographs and anecdotes. The author paints a picture of a real woman playing the hand she was dealt with grace and dignity, and never losing control of her own life. The fact that Anna found love with a man nearly her own height adds a joyful touch to the story. Now, admittedly, the author paints a rosy picture of what was basically a sideshow existence, but she tells it with an authentic voice and bases her opinion on research. The result is a fascinating peek into the life of an interesting woman who may have been known for being a ‘giantess’ but was clearly much much more.”

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/620693634

A nice review of The Extraordinary Life of Anna Swan by Anne Renaud can be found on Goodreads.com “This book… Continue»

“beautifully crafted “: review

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Trapper BoyA terrific review of Trapper Boy from the blog of British writer Robert Southworth

“Trapper Boy is a beautifully crafted story that takes place in a tiny town in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. The setting could be any place in the world that relies principally upon the extraction industries for jobs (both natural gas/oil and coal). […] Miners share a culture that unites them regardless of where they live – a true brotherhood.

In Trapper Boy I read about the agonizing choice the parents had to make in sending their son to the darkness of the mines and knew I wanted to purchase more copies to give to my grandchildren who take education and their quality of life for granted. My 14 year old grandson actually put away his electronic gadgets and read the book. He is using this novel in his English class.

This book will not bore the young readers as it’s not filled with pages of dry historical information. I truly enjoyed the beautifully drawn well-placed sketches that help bring to life the hardships of underground life for the boys and men that toiled there. It has a wonderful plot that drew me and my grandson in and gave us common ground to share. Don’t just purchase the book; read it and talk about it to your children, grandchildren and have them imagine what life once was for children their age.”

http://robsbook.blogspot.co.uk/p/authors-continued.html

 

A terrific review of Trapper Boy from the blog of British writer Robert Southworth “Trapper Boy is a beautifully crafted story that… Continue»

McConnell library program June 12

Posted by on June 5, 2013

johnston-webA.J.B. Johnston returns to Cape Breton for the French Colonial History Society conference at CBU and Fortress of Louisbourg (June 13-15) and is giving a free public talk at the McConnell Library (Sydney) on Wednesday, June 12, 7 p.m.

John promises a lively and illustrated talk on what he calls “A Top 10 History of Louisbourg.” This is of course the 300th anniversary year of the founding of Louisbourg and there are numerous activities planned in the area all summer long.

Johnston’s impressive list of books include several from CBU Press, including Storied Shores: St. Peter’s, Isle Madame and Chapel Island in the 17th and 18th Centuries, Endgame 1758 and just last year a novel: Thomas, A Secret Life.

A number of books by A.J.B. Johnston will be available for sale at this talk.

A.J.B. Johnston returns to Cape Breton for the French Colonial History Society conference at CBU and Fortress of Louisbourg (June 13-15)… Continue»

New Children’s Historical Fiction

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Two excellent reviews have come in of new children’s historical fiction coming from CBU Press.

The Extraordinary Life of Anna Swan

 

On The Extraordinary Life of Anna Swan, the reviewer writes that “the author paints a picture of a real woman playing the hand she was dealt with grace and dignity, and never losing control of her own life.”

“The author … tells [the story] with an authentic voice.”

“The result is a fascinating peek into the life of an interesting woman who may have been known for being a ‘giantess’ but was clearly much much more.”

 

 

Our Grandmothers' Words

 

On , the reviewer writes, “these stories are recorded as told, and vary widely in quality.”

“There is a gentle air of wisdom and a strong sense of culture and tradition that permeates the text.”

 

Visit the books’ webpages to find out more about these wonderful books!

Two excellent reviews have come in of new children’s historical fiction coming from CBU Press.   On The Extraordinary Life of… Continue»

New novel chronicles deportation-era family

Posted by on May 31, 2013

Jeanne Dugas of AcadiaThe life of Jeanne Dugas of Acadia

A new true life fiction novel from Cape Breton University Press chronicles the remarkable life of one of the founding families of Chéticamp.

The title character of Jeanne Dugas of Acadia, was born of Acadian parents at Louisbourg in 1731.

For more than thirty years, she and her husband, their family and extended families, lived under the threat of capture and deportation by the British militia and of attacks by pirates and privateers.

At various times the family lived in Louisbourg, Grand Pré (NS), Port Toulouse and Mira (Cape Breton), Île Saint-Jean (PEI), Remshic (NS), Restigouche (NB) and back again – sometimes more than once – before being captured and imprisoned on George’s Island (Halifax harbour), where three of their four children died.

When released, the family sought refuge on Île Madame (Cape Breton) and eventually found peace and permanence in the area now known as Chéticamp.

Written by Chéticamp native Cassie Deveaux Cohoon, Jeanne Dugas of Acadia is, in many ways, the story of the Acadians.

Ms. Cohoon will be in Cape Breton to launch her new novel in Louisbourg (Fortress Louisbourg, June 14, Chéticamp (16th, 7 p.m., La Salle des retraités), St. Peter’s (17th, 6:30 p.m., Nicolas Denys Museum) and Petit-de-Grat (18th, 6:30 p.m., Petit-de-Grat library).

The life of Jeanne Dugas of Acadia A new true life fiction novel from Cape Breton University Press chronicles the… Continue»

“Wonderful Historical Fiction” : family review

Posted by on May 29, 2013

Blood Brothers in LouisbourgHere is a terrific family review of Blood Brothers in Louisbourg found on 49th Shelf.com

Wonderful Historical Fiction

by Isabella on March 6, 2013

My children and I have now read ALL of Philip Roy’s books (often more than once!), and Blood Brothers in Louisbourg, as a work of historical fiction, is definitely a fascinating departure from his Submarine Outlaw adventure series. We had no idea Roy had written this novel until we checked out his website—philiproy.ca. Well, we have always been impressed by his adventure series, but we were really impressed from beginning to end of this novel, especially in terms of how Roy interweaves his plot line so seamlessly with historical accuracy. It was thoughtfully and carefully crafted, and I have to say, this novel really reflects Roy’s versatility, scope, breadth, and depth as a writer. Two-Feathers is one of the most heroic characters we’ve encountered in YA literature yet. And his half-brother, Jacques, is also quite compelling as a character. Roy’s beautifully rendered account of Two-Feathers and Jacques, and their respective struggles, is interesting, insightful, and philosophical. This novel was written with sensitivity and intelligence, and also it offers tremendous insight into what makes us human. When looking at Roy’s considerable repertoire, I would have to say that Blood Brothers in Louisbourg deserves special accolades for its sheer artistry. I would recommend this book to anyone—young or old. It’s a beautiful story, really. My kids would agree.

Here is a terrific family review of Blood Brothers in Louisbourg found on 49th Shelf.com Wonderful Historical Fiction by Isabella on… Continue»

Book award for “French Taste”

Posted by on May 17, 2013

French-TasteCongratulations Anne Marie Lane Jonah and Chantal Véchambre on winning the non-fiction category at the Atlantic Book Awards May 16 in Dartmouth, NS.

French Taste in Atlantic Canada – 1604-1758: A Gastronomic History / Le goût Français au Canada Atlantique 1604-1758 : Une Histoire Gastronomique won the Dartmouth Book Award for non-fiction.

Congratulations Anne Marie Lane Jonah and Chantal Véchambre on winning the non-fiction category at the Atlantic Book Awards May 16… Continue»

May is Gaelic awareness month in NS

Posted by on May 14, 2013

famhair-web piper-webMay is Gaelic awareness month in Nova Scotia.

Barry Shears, author of Dance to the Piper: The Highland Bagpipe in Nova Scotia is giving a talk this evening (May 14) at Woodlawn Public Library at 7 p.m.

Learn the history and traditions of Gaelic-speaking pipers whose immigration to Nova Scotia ensured that the role and music of the Highland bagpipe not only survived, but thrived. The presentation examines the changing role of the Highland piper in Nova Scotia over the past 200 years using photographs and sound recordings.

On May 29, Lewis MacKinnon, Gaelic singer, songwriter, poet and author of Famhair / Giant, will be giving reading at Spring Garden Rd. Memorial Public Library on Wednesday, May 29/12:00 p.m.

May is Gaelic awareness month in Nova Scotia. Barry Shears, author of Dance to the Piper: The Highland Bagpipe in… Continue»

Atlantic Book Awards this week in HRM

Posted by on May 13, 2013

French-TasteThe Language of This LandThe annual Atlantic Book Awards and Festival is on this week and includes readings and activities across the region and the gala awards ceremony in Dartmouth on Thursday evening (May 16th).

Two CBU Press books are up for awards this year: The Language of This Land, Mi’kma’ki by Trudy Sable and Bernie Francis is shortlisted for the Atlantic Book Award for Scholarly Writing, sponsored by Marquis Printing. Trudy and Bernie, along with Roger Lewis, are appearing at 7:00 pm this evening (May 13) at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax. They are also appearing on Wednesday (15th) at 7:00 pm at The Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre, 2158 Gottingen Street.

French Taste in Atlantic Canada – 1604-1758: A Gastronomic History By Anne Marie Lane Jonah and Chantal Véchambre is shortlisted for the Dartmouth Book Award (Non-fiction). Anne Marie and Chantal are appearing (May 15) at 7:00 pm at Alliance Française Halifax, 5509 Young Street, Halifax.

The Atlantic Book Awards will be presented at a ceremony at Alderney Theatre, Dartmouth, Thursday evening at 7 p.m.

 

Congratulations and best of luck Trudy, Bernie, Anne Marie and Chantal.

The annual Atlantic Book Awards and Festival is on this week and includes readings and activities across the region and the… Continue»