NYCL Book Club: Donna Bailey Nurse discusses “More”
The North York Central Book Club members had a rare treat at their April meeting. Critic and writer Donna Bailey Nurse was invited to talk to the group of 20+ members about Austin Clarke's latest novel More.
Ms. Bailey Nurse spoke with personal insight about the book's main themes of the Caribbean-Canadian immigrant experience, racism and police profiling in Toronto. Ms. Bailey Nurse ably moderated an illuminating discussion about the kind of racism that happens in Toronto vs the United States. We came to understand that its subtlety makes it harder to recognize, let alone fight here in Toronto.
We all enjoyed talking about Mr. Clarke's obvious love of this city. The book's main character, Idora, moves around Toronto in her mind while she spends four days examining her life in the self-imposed exile of her Regent Park basement apartment. She makes a memorable visit to Kensington Market and describes a very funny incident where no one on a crowded TTC Street Car will move back until the driver refuses to move forward!
Ms Bailey Nurse also spoke at length about the author, Austin Clarke, and how much fun it is to interview him especially over dinner and martinis.
"More" won'the 2009 Toronto Book Award and was Toronto Public Library's Keep Toronto Reading One Book choice for April. TPL Book Buzz members have been discussing this book all month too!
3 thoughts on “NYCL Book Club: Donna Bailey Nurse discusses “More””
I was at the book talk and also enjoyed her review and insights. Police harassment was one of the issues that came up in the novel, and she mentioned that all of the adults in her own family have been questioned by the police – and there was no reason for it. It makes you think twice about media portrayals of blacks in Toronto and question if we have really progressed in race relations.
are there any book club questions for More?
Hi, Thomas
That discussion took place prior to my becoming the Book Buzz moderator but I can direct you to the discussion folder. This will give you an idea of the questions asked and the topics discussed.
Click on the link below to get to the More discussion.
http://onlinebookclub.torontopubliclibrary.ca/webx?230@144.eCTgaLjlgwz.2@.ee82d48