LITERARY FEATURE
FERNIE BOOK REVIEW
Over 100 books have been written about the Elk Valley , or by local authors .
From the days of the earliest settlers and trappers , this corner of the Canadian Rocky Mountains has captivated and inspired visitors to write about their travels . ‘ Camp Fires in the Canadian Rockies ,’ first published in 1906 , is a delightful tome that tells of the hunting tours of New York Zoological Park Director , William T . Hornaday who writes ; “… in the valley of the Elk River we found so much of interest it is impossible to ignore this gateway to our garden of the gods .’
Historical texts and photo journals have recorded Fernie ’ s history over the years . Some , like Sandra Semchuk ’ s ‘ The Stories Were Not Told ,’ about Canada ’ s First World War internment camps or Clara Graham ’ s ‘ This Was the Kootenay ,’ about the relationships between settlers and indigenous people , maintain a factual and heartfelt tone , while others are more irreverent . Sydney Hutcheson , a political activist and sharp storyteller , offers an insight into the lives of the folk on
whose back Fernie was built in his books : Depression Stories , The Curse , and The Well ’ a Board .
Today , the spirit of storytelling continues . Local historian Gordon Sombrowski has published two books on life in Fernie through the 20th century , weaving together his own recollections , historical details , and creative license . The tales begin with ‘ What Echo Heard ’ and continue with ‘ What Narcissus Saw .’ Writer and teacher , Angie Abdou , has published four novels , two memoirs , a book of short stories , and several books of essays and conversations . Her character-driven work reflects life ’ s challenges in at-times poignant and often confronting style .
For a taste of the writer ’ s life , drop by Bramasole for a Writer ’ s Gathering every second Monday , and watch for Booked ! events at the Fernie Heritage Library . Browse the collections of local books at the Library , Polar Peek Books & Treasures , and Fernie Museum Gift Shop .
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