Martyrs’ Shrine had the pleasure of hosting celebrated Canadian author Joseph Boyden as he spoke about the Three Voices of The Orenda on September 27.
The highly regarded Canadian author of novels and short stories, spoke about his latest award-winning novel The Orenda to a large audience of over 400 people in the Shrine Church, located in the heartland where the novel originated.
Through the collaboration of the Probus Clubs of Midland-Huronia and Simcoe North, the Midland Cultural Centre (MCC) and Martyrs’ Shrine, the event was the second of two presentations by the author during his visit to Midland.
“It was a joy to host this award-winning author and to work with the Midland Cultural Centre and the Probus Clubs in making these two very special events possible and inviting for all,” said Father Bernard Carroll, SJ, Director of Martyrs’ Shrine.
At the Shrine event Boyden was accompanied by historian Conrad Heidenreich, and besides the inspiration for the three voices presented in his novel, he also spoke about his research, and answered questions from the audience.
Earlier in the afternoon, Boyden was a guest on A Day in the Life: In Conversation with Leaders and Legends hosted by Fred Hacker, a monthly Q & A program offered by the Midland Cultural Centre where Boyden discussed aspects of his life story to a crowd of 200 people. The intimate conversation related to Boyden’s upbringing, early writings and recent successes, and also looked at what liesahead for this remarkably talented Canadian writer.
The Orenda won Canada Reads 2014 (and Midland’s own Midland Reads 2014), was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award and was long-listed for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.
Boyden’s publications were available at both events and following each talk audience members had the opportunity to speak with the author and have their books signed.
