Since the formal release of Black Cake, Turtle Soup, and Other Dilemmas in Canada, and the Toronto launch, I’ve been hearing from early readers. People of so many cultures and life experiences are finding deep resonance with my personal experiences.
In the essays, in addition to grand intercontinental and historical travels, I gather small moments, hold them in my hands, turn them over and take them in, and share part of that intimate journey. They are often overlooked as we move on to the next big thing, and attention to them seems to resonate with so many.
I’m noting that people will quote parts of the book back to me, because they related to a poignant moment or experienced a similar quandary while cooking with children, living under lockdown, accessing medical care in one reader’s case for her disabled child, sewing a dress and other small uncelebrated details of women’s lives, continuing to make art while under duress, time, and social constraints.
On stage, I was in conversation with the wonderful writer and literary critic Donna Bailey Nurse, who offered her deep attention and insights to my work. The audience’s engagement was brilliant. Other authors told me afterwards that a book launch where the audience was almost 50% men was a somewhat unexpected scenario for a women’s memoir in essays. The event was a solid mix of people from all of my communities — musicians, dancers, academics, other authors and readers from all cultures and occupations. Even the food curated by Ose’s Fine Foods reflected one of the major themes, that of the importance and existence of creativity at cultural crossroads.
Pulling this off entailed considerable planning (and sponsors!), collaboration and personal preparation. However, it was ultimately, a magical experience for me ̶ and I’m told for the audience as well ̶ that reflected and included the worlds and themes explored in the book.
Some magical photos by Jorge Posada can be seen here.
Kudos to:
Jesse Ryan
Another Story Books
Tamil Arts Collective
Ose’s Fine Foods
Toronto Lit Up and Toronto International Festival of Authors
The Writers Union of Canada
Dundurn Press
Gloria Blizzard is an award-winning writer and poet, and a Black Canadian woman of multiple heritages. Her work explores spaces where music, dance, spirit, and culture collide. She lives in Toronto. Learn more here.