Two books being launched together at the library this month share a common message of courage and hope for redemption. Authors Vangie Bergum and Sean Arthur Joyce celebrate their new books in a double book launch on Tuesday, at 7 p.m. at the Nelson Public Library.
In 1999 Vangie Bergum and her husband purchased property along the Salmo River. Their new property had seen tragedy: the murder of a child, and the suicide of a father. The deaths mirrored the tragic 1929 deaths of Bergum’s grandmother (who she calls Bestemor), her young aunts, and her grandfather’s part in it. Downstream: Bestemor & Me explores the harm that can come from the secrets we keep.
Running is a release for Bergum, who weaves her long distance training into the difficult journey she undertakes to understand her grandmother’s murder. As we run with Bergum, we relive her childhood, influenced by her Lutheran upbringing and her experience of loss that shadowed her life. Bergum’s thoughtful approach ultimately lifts readers to recognition and understanding.
Sean Arthur Joyce’s book, Laying the Children’s Ghosts to Rest: Canada’s Home Children in the West, is an important exploration into a dark chapter of Canadian history (see story page 4).
Both books are published by Hagios Press of Regina. The authors are currently on tour; locally, Bergum appears at the Salmo Public Library on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Joyce visits Silverton Gallery on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. and the Slocan Community Library on June 1 at 1 p.m.
Joyce is well known as a writer, journalist, poet, and historian, with two books on local history and two books of poetry to his credit.
Bergum has authored several books of the experience of mothering and on healthcare ethics, drawing from a career in health care and as a Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta. The authors will be on hand to discuss their work after the presentation, and Otter Books will have copies of both books for sale.