Fat Oyster Reading Series resumes on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. with two of Canada’s most celebrated and beloved writers on one bill.
In 2012, the Globe and Mail referred to Crozier and Lane as “B.C.’s poetry power couple,” and the title is still apt given the consistent quality of their prolific output.
Partners for 36 years, they are both known best for their poetry, but have also published in fiction and non-fiction. Both are officers of the Order of Canada and have received numerous other honours for their work.
Author Margaret Laurence called Lorna Crozier “a poet to be grateful for.” Books in Canada claimed “she is one of the most original poets writing in English today.” The Ottawa Citizen described her as “One of Canada’s most read and most honoured poets.” In May, 2014 she received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for lifetime achievement.
Her 15 books of poetry have received many accolades and her honours are many. Lorna Crozier received two Pat Lowther Awards, has three Honourary Doctorates from Canadian universities and the Governor General’s Award.
She has been inducted into the Royal Society of Canada and in 2011 she received Saskatchewan’s Kloppenburg Award for Literary Excellence.
Her first children’s book, Lots of Kisses, was published by Orca this fall. The Wrong Cat, a book of poetry will be released in the spring of 2015 and in that fall, The Wild in You, a celebration of the Great Bear Rainforest with photographer Ian McAllister.
Crozier’s partner Patrick Lane has been described as “our most essential poet: tough, tender, fearless and beautifully dangerous. For decades he has been our guide to darkness and our provider of unexpected brilliant, almost blinding light…Lane is a true master,” says author Jane Urqurhart.
He has won numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Award for Poetry, the Canadian Authors Association Award, the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence and three National Magazine Awards.
His distinguished career spans 50 years and 25 volumes of poetry as well as award-winning books of fiction and non-fiction.
His most recent collection of poetry, Washita, will be coming out in November, 2014.
Listening to these two pre-eminent talents read is an engaging experience rich with their humour and warmth. Hearing them together is an opportunity not to be missed.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Fanny Bay Hall, 7793 Island Highway.
Refreshments available. $5 admission at the door.