Gary Barwin is a writer, composer, novelist, artist and also the next guest of the Canadian Writers in Person lecture. He will discuss his most recent novel, Yiddish for Pirates, at York University on Nov. 14.
The annual series is presented by York’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LAPS) and is free and open to the public. It takes place from 7 to 10pm in 206 Accolade West.
The author of 20 books of poetry, fiction and books for children, Barwin brings his most recent novel about a Bar Mitzvah boy who, in the early 1940s, leaves home to join a ship’s crew.
The book was shortlisted for the Scotabank Giller Prize and received a nomination for a Governor General’s Literary Award.
This novel is the compelling story of Moishe. It is a powerful tale of pirates, buried treasure and the search for youth told in a tone that is both humorous and philosophical.
Barwin has a PhD in music composition. He has been writer-in-residence at Western University and Young Voices E-writer in residence at the Toronto Public Library. He also taught creative writing at a number of colleges and universities. Born in Northern Ireland to South African parents of Ashkenazi descent, Barwin moved to Canada during his childhood. He is married with three adult children, and lives in Hamilton, Ont.
For a complete list of this year’s lineup, visit the Canadian Writers in Person Lecture Series website.