SUDBURY – Author Jennifer Farquhar, formerly of Manitoulin, has won the 2019 Northern Lit Award from the Ontario Library Service – North for her first published work ‘Watermark.’
The Ontario Library Service – North award panelists said about ‘Watermark,’ “This story was captivating, intriguing and very relatable with regards to life in Northern Ontario. The characters were exceptionally fascinating and the story was well-developed and a true journey through the human condition. Although we loved the ending, we didn’t want the book to end!”
‘Watermark’ is the hauntingly beautiful story of Mina McInnis who, returning to her childhood home on Mikinaak Island after a 20-year absence, unravels the incidents that caused her family’s disintegration. She is determined to uncover the truth about the tragedy from her past, and the presence that dwells in the cold, dark waters of Lake Huron.
“Originally from Manitoulin Island, Ms. Farquhar draws on her own childhood island to paint Mikinaak Island into a rich and dynamic world, a love letter to the Northern Ontario that raised her,” a press release from Ms. Farquhar’s Sudbury publisher, Latitude 46, states.
Ms. Farquhar told the Expositor that she learned of the news a few months ago and that she was tasked with keeping it a secret until the official release last week.
In previous years, winners of the Northern Lit Award would be feted at a special banquet, but due to the provincial government cuts to library services funding, this has been cancelled this year. However, Ms. Farquhar will be able to engage with her fans through a digital book tour of the Northern Ontario libraries, something she is looking forward to.
“I’m really excited,” she said.
Ms. Farquhar just finished her latest book, titled ‘The Good Mother’ and which she described as “Stephen King meets The Brothers Grimm, ‘The Good Mother’ is a dark psychological thriller that examines the shadow side of motherhood and birth.”
It took the author nine months to write and almost a year of revisions. She’s now hoping it will be picked up by a publisher.
Ms. Farquhar said she is especially pleased with winning the Northern Lit Award considering hers and her family’s love of libraries. Being honoured by the libraries she holds so dear in her heart, and which she visits on a weekly basis, makes the award that much more special, she added. “I live in a family of library lovers.”
Ms. Farquhar lives in Kitchener where she is an elementary school teacher and mother of three young children. Her short stories have won awards in this newspaper and the Toronto Star.
Copies of ‘Watermark’ are available at The Expositor’s bookstore Printshop Books and online at Manitoulin.ca for purchase.
‘Watermark’ had its Manitoulin book launch at an Expositor-hosted event on Canada Day 2018.
