Harvard Club of OttawaHarvard Club of Ottawa
The Harvard Club of Ottawa Book Club is pleased to host the 2020 Taylor Prize winner for non-fiction: local writer, historian, political commentator, and lawyer, Mark Bourrie. Join us virtually on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 7:00pm to discuss his book, Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson.
The story is at once familiar, touching Canada’s shores and storied institutions like the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Radisson name: “They finally let up on this gruelling pace by resting at the confluence of the Gatineau, Rideau, and Ottawa Rivers, and camped near Lake Leamy on the north shore across from the cliffs where the home of Canada’s prime minister now looms (p. 124).”
At the same time, it portrays a vastly different world hidden in our history: “That night, Radisson and some of the Odawa broiled and stewed the flesh of some of the slain Iroquois, then, after filling their bellies, built the cooking fire much higher and burned the bodies of the dead Odawa, giving them an honour reserved for the best warriors (p. 123).”
Mark portrays a remarkable and roguish Canadian in a story that is truly wilder than fiction. Hear him talk about his research, writing method, and how he brought his protagonist to life. He’ll explore our historical relationship with and knowledge of Canada’s Indigenous population and engage in dialogue with our members.
For a preview of the book and talk, listen to his interview on Ideas and read the write up from CBC Books: https://www.cbc.ca/books/bush-runner-1.5170703
Members are encouraged to purchase and read the book in advance, although this is not mandatory for participation. It may be ordered online from the publisher, Biblioasis: http://biblioasis.com/shop/non-fiction/bush-runner-the-life-and-times-of-pierre-esprit-radisson/
Please register for this free event at Eventbrite, below: