Monica Kidd Boeken

In the early twentieth century, Andrew Zak proposes to Rosalia Patala in a letter. New to North America from Slovakia, Rosalia boards a train from New York to Crowsnest Pass, AB, where she marries a man she knows only through the written word. They bear and lose their first child, fear the dangers of hazardous coal mines, and raise a family of four children on their homestead. But this story contains holes, and Monica Kidd, a journalist and great-granddaughter to Andrew and Rosalia, is compelled by them. In prose as beautiful as her poetry, Kidd describes her life-altering journey toward uncovering the mysteries of her family's past. Did Andrew and Rosalia court? Why did they each leave Slovakia? Years later, in present day Canada, Monica travels from her home in Newfoundland back to Alberta and then Slovakia, where she trails the ghost of Rosalia in search of why she, and the thousands of women like her, launched themselves into the vast unknown of becoming frontier wives.

The grain elevator in Beatrice serves as a poignant symbol of the past, shaping the identities of its residents. Colleen reflects on a teenage romance that brought her to the town years ago, while Dale, Jr. grapples with the weight of his father's legacy on the family farm. Dolores fights to manage her life's disappointments, and Perry mourns the loss of both his son to the city and the secrets of his late wife. Each character's story intertwines, exploring themes of memory, legacy, and the enduring impact of the past.

Exploring the theme of truth and resilience, the narrative delves into the struggles of individuals confronting deception and the emotional turmoil it brings. It examines the difficult choices faced by characters who seek authenticity in their relationships while navigating their own pain. Through their journeys, the story reveals how those affected by lies strive to find a path forward, highlighting the human capacity for endurance and the complexities of personal integrity.

The momentous topic of energy conservation and protection is shared around the world. In Reimagining Fire, environmentally conscious writers, poets, and artists from Alberta exert their opinions about our world's impending energy transition. To envision this transition, editor Eveline Kolijn connected these artists and writers with a network of experts from the Energy Futures Lab, along with with representatives from towns, rural communities, and First Nations.