Summerland

Anne Burke is the editor of the Prairie Journal Press and author of
Prairie Journal Prose.

The late Ukrainian writer George Ryga is probably best known for his
play The Ecstasy of Rita Joe. This collection brings together previously
unavailable pieces, among them television and radio dramas, short
stories, essays and letters, and a poem. The first section is devoted to
the 1960s, and is followed by chapters on the 1970s and 1980s.

The book’s title refers to a small community in the Okanagan Valley,
where the Ryga home became a haven for other writers and artists. The
editor, who knew the Rygas personally, brings a personal touch to the
biographical introduction, which discusses Ryga’s roots in northern
Alberta, his sojourn in eastern Canada, and his European and Mexican
visits.

Among the essays are “Multiculturalism: Address to Curriculum
Conference,” “Theatre in Canada: A Viewpoint on Its Development and
Future,” “The Need for Mythology,” and “Social Responsibilities
of Writers.” A companion volume, The Athabaska Ryga, deals with the
writer’s early years. “Dear Mr. Pelletier” expresses Ryga’s
grave concern about the future of Canada’s educational system. He
believed that education materials had fallen into the hands of
non-Canadians, and wanted to see more Canadian content in broadcasting,
book publishing, and marketing.

Black-and-white photographs lend an authenticity and immediacy to the
text.