Canadian writer Jane Urquhart read from her new book, "A Map of Glass," to a small gathering of fans in East Pyne last night.
Following the reading, another Canadian novelist, Princeton resident Lauren Davis, interviewed Urquhart and led a discussion with the audience about the novel.
Urquhart praised the University's creative writing program, which has an "incredible line up of teachers and a tremendous opportunity for students to become familiar with working authors," she said.
"We didn't have creative writing departments in Canada when I was an undergraduate."
Urquhart's visit to the University was sponsored by the Program in Canadian Studies.
She was born in rural Ontario and has written seven novels and three books of poetry. Her books have been published in the United States and Europe and have been translated into several languages, including French and German.
In 1992, Urquhart's novel "The Whirlpool" became the first Canadian book to win France's Prix du Meilleur Livre Etranger (best foreign book award). Her book "Away" was on the Globe and Mail's bestseller list for 132 weeks — longer than any other Canadian book.
"A Map of Glass" was inspired by Urquhart's life in Ontario, specifically by the changing nature of the rural Canadian landscape in the face of intense logging and the growth of commerce.
"Rural Ontario only exists in our imagination," she said. "The experience of the village and the fields is gone."
Urquhart's main characters explore topics that interest her personally. In "A Map of Glass," Urquhart created Andrew, a historical geographer who studies changing landscapes, and set him to work. Through his eyes readers witness the countryside under attack.
Urquhart's own grandfather was a victim of commercial exploitation, as over-farming near his small hotel turned the land into sand dunes, which consumed his business and livelihood.
The Canadian writer turned "A Map of Glass" into a semi-personal narrative, changed to suit her needs.
"That's the great thing about writing fiction — you can do whatever you want. I would recommend fiction rather than fact," she said.
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