Author Talk and Book Signing
March 25, 2023
3pm to 5:00 pm
Army Navy Airforce #393, located at 649 Colborne Street, London, Ontario.
Free Admission. No registration is required but if you wish to let us know you will be there please see the eventbrite page to purchase free tickets
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/marie-gage-author-talk-and-book-signing-tickets-532182350737
Description:
Join London native Author Marie Gage as she discusses her two novels of historical fiction that were inspired by residents of London, Ontario. A highlight of “Promise of the Bluebell Woods” includes following the WWII Number 10 Canadian General Hospital, staffed by London, Ontario medical professionals, through the war. Set in 1912-1916 “A Ring of Promises” chronicles the struggle of an immigrant as he attempts to fulfill the Canadian dream of so many early immigrants to Canada in 1912.
Author Marie Gage had no idea where her Family History research would lead her. The discovery of two heart-rending tales in the lives of her ancestors led her on a path of research that eventually resulted in the two novels. While the novels are inspired by true stories they cannot claim to be anything other than fiction as parts of the history were buried by time with no amount of research uncovering the truth. That said, Gage followed the true, historical paths of the characters whenever she could. Fiction was woven in, bringing the stories to life.
When talking about “Promise of the Bluebell Woods”, author Brenda Pedigrew said, “This amazing true story draws the reader into its heart immediately by its dialogue and the inner thoughts of each character. The story thus unfolds in time that feels immediate, and the reader-as-observer becomes herself/himself an invisible character in the story, which is gripping and immediate.” The novel follows Rod, a laboratory technician from Victoria Hospital in London, who joined the Number 10 Canadian General Hospital, as it moved from London, Ontario to England, France, and Belgium. It also follows the life of the woman he fell in love with as she, and her ordinary English family, struggled in war-torn England. The question of whether she could leave everything else she knew and loved for the sake of love was a primary concern. Thus, it is also the story of a WWII War Bride.
“A Ring of Promises” chronicles the struggle of Will, a former footman for an Earl, as he transitions from the life of service to that of a logger in Canada in an effort to find a place where he and his fiancé, Janet, could finally be together. His journey is fraught with tragedy and barriers to his success. The story begins with his dream of sailing on the Titanic, following him as he transitions to life as a logger in New Brunswick before being lured to the shores of Hudson Bay by promises of the Canadian government. He is forced to escape this environment in a canoe with two other men along the historic fur trading route, landing in farmland in the Winnipeg area before his eventual settlement in London.
Gage will provide insights into the research of the material for the novel as well as some of the historical context. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, purchase books, and have them personally signed. Lovers of historical fiction shouldn’t miss this event.
NOTE: The Venue’s bar will be available for patrons to purchase beverages. Some light snacks will be available in the presentation room.