Transatlantic is proud to see three of our clients recognized on the “Best Canadian Nonfiction” List of 2021 by CBC Books, which celebrates the top nonfiction works released each year.
Below are our listed clients and their celebrated releases:
MY MOTHER’S DAUGHTER by Perdita Felicien (Doubleday Canada)
“Perdita Felicien’s mom Catherine was a poor young woman in St. Lucia when she was given a seemingly random, but ultimately life-changing, opportunity: to come to Canada with a wealthy white family and become their nanny. But when she gets to Canada, life is tougher than she expected, as she endures poverty, domestic violence and even homelessness. However, she still encouraged and supported her youngest daughter’s athletic dreams. Felicien would go on to be a world-class hurdler and one of Canada’s greatest track athletes. My Mother’s Daughter is the story of these two women, and how their love for each other got them through difficult times and changed their lives.”
About the author:
Perdita Felicien is a 10-time national champion, a two-time Olympian and became the first Canadian woman to win a gold medal at a world championships. She now works as a sports broadcaster and is part of CBC’s team covering the Olympics. My Mother’s Daughter is her first book.
Perdita is represented by Samantha Haywood.
PEYAKOW by Darrel J. McLeod (Douglas & McIntyre)
“Peyakow is a follow-up to Darrel J. McLeod’s memoir Mamaskatch. The title is the Cree word for “one who walks alone.” Peyakow tells the story of his childhood and youth. He was bullied by white classmates, lived in poverty, endured physical and sexual abuse and lost several people he loved. But the story is one of love and triumph, as McLeod goes on to become a teacher, the First Nations’ delegate to the UN and an executive in the Canadian government.”
About the author:
Darrel J. McLeod is a Cree writer from Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta. Before his retirement, McLeod was chief negotiator of land claims for the federal government and executive director of education and international affairs with the Assembly of First Nations. His first book was the memoir Mamaskatch, which won the 2018 Governor General’s Literary Award for nonfiction.
Darrel is represented by Carolyn Forde.
LIFE IN THE CITY OF DIRTY WATER by Clayton Thomas-Muller (Penguin Random House)
“A memoir by Cree activist Clayton Thomas-Muller, Life in the City of Dirty Water covers his entire life: from playing with toy planes as a way to escape from domestic and sexual abuse and enduring the intergenerational trauma of Canada’s residential school system; to becoming a young man who fought against racism and violence, but also spent time in juvenile prison; to becoming a committed activist. Along the way, Clayton remained tied to his Cree heritage and spirituality. This debut is a narrative and vision of healing and responsibility. “
About the author:
Clayton Thomas-Muller is a member of the Treaty #6 based Mathias Colomb Cree Nation located in Northern Manitoba. He’s campaigned on behalf of Indigenous peoples around the world for more than 20 years, working with numerous organizations.
Clayton is represented by Carolyn Forde.
To see the full list, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-nonfiction-of-2021-1.6276723