Audiobook Café

Jennifer Chevalier’s fiction novel “The Winter Witch” captures the story of two sisters fleeing a curse aboard a bride ship from Normandy to 17th-century Quebec. Along the way they meet a mysterious witch who forces them to confront the truth of their past. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Jennifer about the research she did to create the book’s setting and characters. She also shares a Shelfie, her three favourite books with a magical theme. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

“Fireflies in Winter” is the latest novel by Eleanor Shearer. The book explores themes of survival, love and freedom and follows a Jamaican Maroon orphan and an escaped slave hiding in the wilderness. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Eleanor about why she chose to write a historical literary fiction set in 17th century Nova Scotia. She also describes why she deliberately presented the book in a lyrical style of writing. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

Jessica Barrett’s new book “No Place Like Home” provides an honest glimpse into Canada’s housing crisis. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Jessica about the issues of housing affordability and the lessons Canada can take away from other countries. She also reflects on her own housing experiences and explains the missing key to Canada’s housing crisis: understanding the meaning of home. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

There’s an interesting cultural difference between print books and audiobooks. Print books have been around for centuries and have been deeply engrained into society. Audiobooks have also been around for a while and have seen many evolutions. From talking books, to books on tape and streaming services. However, they’re also often misunderstood. Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll reflect on the medium of audiobooks and their significance in literature then and now. They also explore the wider practicalities of audiobooks including access, cost, listening habits and ideal settings for consumption. In the latter portion of the show, Jacob shines the spotlight on Marco Pasqua and his new audiobook “From Potential to Purpose: Your Guide to Authentic Connections.” This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.

“To Leave a Warrior Behind” is a new biography about Charles R. Saunders, the “Father of Sword and Soul,” a sub-genre in fantasy writing based on African inspired myths and culture. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with the book’s author Jon Tattrie about Saunders’ fascinating life as a journalist, his journey to Halifax as an American draft dodger and his almost forgotten legacy as an author who redefined a genre. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.