In her latest collection of short stories, author Arlene Stafford-Wilson remains loyal to the past; faithfully reconstructing the rural Ontario of her childhood. She has crafted these stories, once again set in Lanark County in the 1960s and 70s, with attention to detail. In Lanark County Connections, people and places, lost and gone in the real world, remain alive on the pages.
As the book begins, the reader is invited to step back in time to enjoy some carefree summer evenings at a country dance hall on the Rideau Lakes, known as Antler Lodge.
Perth is the setting for another story, where the reader is transported back to an elegant mansion in the 1960s. In this sprawling home, the secrets and scandals of its wealthy inhabitants are revealed.
Also, in this collection, the author shares an eerie encounter on Gore Street, were a restless spirit walks the halls of their childhood home. In one of the more light-hearted tales, the author takes the reader on a laid-back bus tour, set in the 1970s, as it weaves its way through Drummond, Ramsay, Darling, Dalhousie townships and Lanark County’s back roads, meeting some delightful local characters and visiting some lesser-known scenic gems.
The lives of ordinary people sing out from these historical stories, which take place over two decades of closely observed regional life. As in her previous books, the author weaves the names of local people throughout the stories, and includes each name in an index at the back. You may even find your own name in the book!
The Book Launch for Lanark County Connections, is Saturday, September 26th, 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. at The Book Nook at 60 Gore Street E. in Perth. On Saturday, Oct. 3rd, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Arlene will be showcasing her books at the Perth Chapter – Ottawa International Writer’s Festival at the Crystal Palace, Perth, Ontario.
Stafford-Wilson is also the author of Lanark County Calendar, Lanark County Chronicle, Lanark County Kid and Recipes & Recollections.
To find out more about the author and her books, visit staffordwilson.com.
