Book Launch - War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War (A Memoir)

Upcoming book launch of WAR LETTERS: Linking Lives in the Second World War A MEMOIR

Valerie Crowther (author), and Listen to Dis’ Community Arts Organization [LTD’], have come together to launch the publication of the book WAR LETTERS: Linking Lives in the Second World War A MEMOIR. Two members of the professional music ensemble The Dripping Honey’s - Jason Yuen on piano and Ammanda Zelinski on vocals - will perform music of the 1940’s to set the atmosphere for this event. They will also read from the letters to bring alive the voices of the two high school sweethearts who, though separated by war, kept connected by their letters. Flung far from their Ontario homes, Margaret joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was posted to London, England, while John, in the Royal Canadian Navy, sailed the North Atlantic between Newfoundland and Ireland. Their correspondence reflects the tension and uncertainty in their lives as the Second World War disrupted their hopes and dreams.

This FREE event will be presented at the Artesian (2627 13th Ave.) in Regina on Sunday, Nov. 10th, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. The launch timing honours Remembrance Day as well as Valerie’s parents’ birth and death anniversaries.

The Artesian is wheelchair accessible, all-ages, and a proud supporter of positive spaces initiatives with a zero-tolerance policy towards hate, harassment, and/or discrimination. We reserve the right to remove any patron creating an unsafe environment. The accessible entrance is available via a lift, Please ask staff for help if necessary.

For over ten years, Listen to Dis’ has been shifting the way people perceive disability in Saskatchewan and building a new understanding of disability culture. Inspired by the work of LTD’ in Regina’s arts and cultural community, Valerie had a vision of Jason and Ammanda reading and performing music of the era for her book launch. A collaboration was born with the support of LTD’ Executive/Artistic Director Traci Foster.

Valerie Crowther has been reading, writing, drawing, and playing piano from an early age. She has been, in turn, a goldsmith, social worker, arts administrator and cook. She herself keeps journals and writes letters as assiduously as her parents and grandparents have done. WAR LETTERS: Linking Lives in the Second World War A MEMOIR is her first book. For interviews, questions, and media inquiries, please contact Valerie Crowther at 306-352-5315 or email [email protected].