Ron Norman, former deputy minister and head of communications for the B.C. government, will be in Courtenay to read from his debut novel at the Courtenay Public Library on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
The reading is open to all and will be followed by an opportunity for questions and a book signing. Laughing Oyster Bookshop will have books available for purchase.
“Slouching Towards Innocence is a compelling, insightful and very funny story about politics, love and life,” said publisher Chris Needham. “And given the current political climate, it speaks directly to the times in which we live.”
Set in the quirky, combative, and darkly comic world of British Columbia politics—where your friends can be more dangerous than your enemies—Slouching Towards Innocence traces Malcolm Bidwell’s rise as he becomes the “go-to guy” for every political mess that needs cleaning up.
And there are plenty of messes: from the cabinet minister caught in a vice sting on a trade mission to Washington, to the premier’s deadly scuffle with a crow that unexpectedly lands him in court and in a fight for his political life.
Norman has plenty of experience with B.C. politics and government. He worked in government for 11 years, the last three as deputy minister and head of communications. In that position, he provided communications counsel to the premier, cabinet and deputy ministers, and led a staff of more than 200.
“I walked the legislature hallways with the press gallery and political staff,” Norman says. “I also saw first-hand the inner workings of government. I draw on all of that experience to create an authentic – though fictional – world of B.C. politics.”
Terry Fallis, two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for writing humour says “Ron Norman brings an insider’s eye and a skillful hand to the always quirky netherworld of BC politics. Slouching Towards Innocence grabbed me from the first page and just wouldn’t let go. Scandals, coverups, spinning, sinning, and winning, this tale has it all. I’d love it even more if it weren’t quite so plausible.”
Meet the author at the Courtenay Library on Tuesday Nov. 28 at 2 p.m.