Finalist for the Fred Kerner Book Award
When the “Kirkland Lake gals of 1941” begin to share their story with a present-day audience, a siren sounds and they soon find themselves pulled right back into the fateful winter of 1941–42. There, they gather again at the mine-head, waiting for word on the men trapped underground, as their fear and rage builds. When the husband of one of the women is badly injured, their desire to help her quickly leads them into a much larger campaign to help all the families they can. Before long, they’ve become the heart and soul of a large-scale union-organizing drive that is fuelled by their sheer will–and sometimes giddy enthusiasm–but that is also put to the test by their own inexperience, a bitter strike, and the brutal force of the powers that be.
News & Reviews
“Your heart will glow with pride in our history and fill with hope for our future… Go celebrate this true story and leave inspired and challenged” –Barb Byers, Member of the Order of Canada, former Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress
“A stirring underdog story.” —Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
About the Author
Born in Ottawa, Jennifer Wynne Webber spent most of her early years in Saskatoon. She has also lived and worked in Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, and, most recently, on Vancouver Island. Jennifer is the author of numerous plays including Beside Myself, With Glowing Hearts, and White Lies. Her novel, Defying Gravity, was published by Coteau Books and nominated for three Saskatchewan Book Awards including Book of the Year. Jennifer has taught writing, worked as a dramaturge and as a professional actor at theatres across Canada. She has also worked extensively in broadcast journalism and video production.
