Wolf Performance Hall

Sept. 30

****/4

On September 30, supporters and members of Friends of the Library met at the Wolf Performance Hall to hear a talk by Elizabeth Waterston and Mary Rubio, the world's foremost experts on Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Both speakers have recently released books. Mary Rubio's The Gift of Wings, a definitive biography of Montgomery, offers startling revelations about Montgomery's life. Elizabeth Waterston's Magic Island explores the fictions of Lucy Maud Montgomery as an in-depth reader's guide with an eye to her life story. Together, the two titles offer a more complete picture of the author of Anne of Green Gables than has ever been available.

With hostess Hilary Neary's encouragement, the crowd moved up to the front seats to create an intimate atmosphere. It was like a gathering of friends, as can always be found where book lovers meet. Rubio and Waterston shared stories of their time studying Montgomery, from their first inklings and inspirations to their later challenges. I particularly enjoyed hearing details of their trip to Poland, where everyone is familiar with Anne of Green Gables. As Rubio told us, each Polish soldier in the First World War was given a copy of Anne's House of Dreams to remind them of the hearth fires they defended. The reaction of the people there to these two spokeswomen was incredible to hear about.

A lengthy question and answer period allowed us all to chat about Montgomery, our love of her work, and our different experiences in reading her for the first time. Oxford Books, our city's last independent new bookstore, was on hand to offer copies of their new works for a signing, and a delightful reception afterwards kept the conversation going. In fact, we were so enthused about our favourite author that the security guards had to send us home so they could close the library.

Vanessa Brown is a freelance author and Montgomery fanatic who works at Attic Books.