Monday, February 27, 2012

One more for the scrapbook

Rotchin’s latest novel, Halbman Steals Home, is one that anyone with a sense of humour won’t be able to put down. While the story is set deep in the suburbs of Montreal, the storyline is one that can be appreciated by any reader for the characters described could live just about anywhere.

The rest here.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Toronto Star Review of Halbman

She liked it!

Rotchin is adept at sketching character and creating convincing dialogue. He’s one of those writers I want to read in gulps, resisting the need to put down the book for a minute. Halbman’s cronies, his children, his wife, his city are immediately recognizable and Rotchin has an uncanny ability to draw us in with the clarity of his prose and charming narrative. It makes me yearn for a Fairmount Bagel.

The rest here.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Irving Layton Centenary




This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Canada's greatest poet of the 20th century. There are a couple of celebrations planned that I know of, the first in the nation's capital. Looks like a very interesting event to attend if you happen to be within 100 kms.



Irving Layton: A Centenary Celebration

Poets and Members of Parliament celebrate Layton’s legacy

Sunday, March 11, 2012, 2:30 p.m.
University of Ottawa
Room 129, Simard Hall
60 University Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

The Vered Jewish Canadian Studies Program
and the Department of English welcome you to a celebration
of the writings and legacy of Irving Layton (1912-2006),
with readings from his works by Ottawa poets
and brief reminiscences from friends and associates who knew him.
Participants will also include Members of Parliament
Irwin Cotler and Mauril BĂ©langer.
The Centenary Celebration will be hosted by Professor Seymour Mayne.
Reception to follow. Admission to the event is free.
For further information: Professor Seymour Mayne, mayne@uottawa.ca

Friday, February 3, 2012

Online author interview




The good folks at Open Book: Ontario have posted an online interview with yours truly in advance of the release of my new novel Halbman Steals Home. Read it to find "why writing a novel is like driving at night, why humour matters and how life can imitate art in the most uncanny ways."