Monday, November 7, 2011. 7:30pm
Norman Ravvin’s “The Joyful Child” is his third novel. It is the story of a father and his young son, who find themselves together in Toronto, and spend much of their time on the road. They go west to southern Alberta, down to Montana, and across thecountry to Michigan. The novel lands, too, in Montreal and Manhattan, so it offers a full view of this country and the way different locales affect the characters’ lives. It is, like Ravvin’s other books, darkly funny. It pays careful attention to neighbourhoods, to music (especially jazz), to books beloved by adults and children, and to old cars. It is illustrated by the Michigan-based artist Melanie Boyle. Norman Ravvin is a writer, critic and teacher. Introduced by Sara Tauben.
To document the development of Montreal’s Jewish community from the 1880s until 1945, much like a detective, Sara Ferdman Tauben tracked down the locations of Montreal’s early synagogues. Her quest results in a fascinating story which she will present with a talk and historical images. Sara Ferdman Tauben has a Masters degree in Judaic Studies. She has been an active leader in the Montreal Jewish community for thirty years. A retired fashion and interior designer, she lives in Montreal. Introduced by Norman Ravvin.
Books and autographs of both authors available.
Jewish Public Library, 1515 Côte St-Catherine
Admission: 10$, Students/members 5$
Advance tickets: (514) 345-6416
Info: (514) 345-2627 ext. 3017
