Kobzar and Sonja

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve done a whack of school readings, signings and other book events,  I’ve had the flu, did a big edit of Call Me Aram (the sequel to Aram’s Choice), broke two coffee pots and had my car rear-ended.

Last Wednesday, the Ukrainian Canadian Professional & Business Association of Toronto (commonly known as the Ps & Bs) hosted a book event for Kobzar’s Children. One of the contributors — Sonja Dunn — was able to attend the event with me.

Before the event, I picked up Sonja and we had delectable borscht and perogies at Amber European Restaurant on Bloor West, then we drove to the new Ukrainian National Federation building on Evans Ave. What a lovely building! It would be a great place to have a wedding!
Before we started, I dug out my stash of hardcover Kobzars and asked Sonja to sign them. I have been collecting the autographs of the contributors as I’m able. I have one book with most of the autographs, and Danny Evanishen has entrusted me with three of his to collect autographs in.

I love doing events with the Ps & Bs because they always do it well. Gene Yakovitch did a great introduction of me and then I introduced Sonja. I talked a little bit about how the anthology was put together and then Sonja got up and read her story, Changing Graves. And what a fabulous reading it was! Changing Graves is a funny true story with lots of black humour about a family that fulfills the deathbed wish of an aunt and has an uncle’s body exhumed and moved to a new gravesite. Sonja had her own TV show for 29 years and she’s a seasoned storyteller. Watching her tell this story was a delight. The audience was in stitches.

Kontakt television was there, and they recorded much of her storytelling.

I have deep admiration for Sonja. Not only is she a gifted writer and storyteller, but she is such a nice person and a good friend. I remember meeting her at one of the first CANSCAIP meetings I had attended way back in 1996. She came up to me immediately and introduced herself, and then took me under her wing, making sure that I was introduced to others. She had been president of CANSCAIP some years ago and is also very involved in The Writers’ Union of Canada.

It was such an honour for me to share the stage with Sonja for this book event. I hope we get lots of opportunities in the future to do this again.

Author: Marsha

I write historical fiction, mostly from the perspective of young people who are thrust in the midst of war. View all posts by Marsha