This beautifully written novel transports us back to 1921, when a band of young Jewish pioneers set out to realize a dream: the founding of a settlement on a patch of land that would eventually become Israel.
One by one, we enter the minds of three compelling characters – Ida, an idealistic young woman escaping the violence in Europe; David, the charismatic and volatile group leader; and Hannah, a wife and mother struggling with her roles. Through these main voices, we witness how the utopian dream is punctured by flawed characters and messy human entanglements.
Strangers with the Same Dream is also the story of the land itself, revealing with irony and compassion how the settlers chose to ignore the fact that the homeland they sought was home to people whose lives they did not understand.
Her second novel, Far to Go (2010), was nominated for the Man Booker Prize, won the Canadian Jewish Award for Fiction and was named a "Top Ten of 2010" book by the Toronto Star and NOW Magazine. Published internationally to acclaim, it has been optioned for film.
Her memoir, Between Gods, also published internationally, was a finalist for the BC National Award for Non-Fiction, and a Globe and Mail "Best Book" of 2014.
Strangers with the Same Dream (2017) compares competing ideals in a troubled history. Alison’s writing has been described as faultlessly rendered with compassion and lyrical grace.
Alison Pick lives and writes in Toronto.
Screening followed by Q&A with special guest Raja G. Khouri.
Free tickets will be available starting August 1.
In Strangers with the Same Dream, the land itself becomes one of the characters in the book. Capture your relationship with the landscape in this year’s OBOA photography contest.
Winners to be announced at APL’s Ontario Public Library Week Open House on Monday October 15, and via email or phone.
In collaboration with The Auroran newspaper.
Folk dancing is about family and friends of all ages dancing together. Join folk dance teacher, Riki Adivi, for a vibrant Culture Days workshop and learn some easy dances and a little about other cultures.
In celebration of OneBookOneAurora, Riki will be including folk dancing from Israeli and Arabic cultures.
Family friendly! Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to have fun!