OBOA 2023: Local writers find inspiration in Finding Edward

January 4, 2024 · 0 Comments

Themes of prejudice and bigotry explored in Sheila Murray’s 2022 novel Finding Edward inspired local authors to explore these areas themselves through the Aurora Public Library’s One Book One Aurora initiative.

Throughout the course of One Book One Aurora’s 10 year run at the Aurora Public Library, local photographers and writers were invited to submit their works on various themes inspired by the year’s novel of choice.

2023’s year’s writers focused squarely on social justice.

“Central to Finding Edward is the theme that the same prejudices and bigotry existed historically continue today and this year’s One Book One Aurora contest invited you to consider the meaning of social justice,” said Reccia Mandelcorn, the Aurora Public Library’s Manager of Community Collaboration, at the One Book One Aurora finale this past fall.

First place in the writing contest went to Hyacinthe Ann Miller, an author of short stories, contemporary women’s fiction and non-fiction, as well as magazine and newspaper articles. Second place was awarded to poet Dina Ripsman, founder of the Vaughan Poetry Circle, whose work has been published in literary magazines, journals and anthologies.

Winning entries are now featured in the Winter issue of the Aurora Public Library’s in-house publication, Borealis, which can be accessed at aurorapl.ca.

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter