Back Then: Voices of Memory 1915-1945

Gerald J. Stortz is an assistant professor of history at the University
of St. Jerome’s College in Waterloo.

In 1990, during his stint as writer-in-residence at the public library
in Pickering, Ontario, David Helwig invited people in their 60s and 70s
to recount tales from their own lives. This collection consists of his
selections from those submissions.

As is typical of any anthology, the contributions vary in length and
quality. Many have to do with childhood. Alex Mogelon’s tale of his
newsagent father’s mysterious control over Natives is reminiscent of
O. Henry in its poignancy and humor. Kelsey McLeod’s account of her
experiences in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps is also particularly
good. All entries, in fact, are well worth reading.

Oberon Press deserves praise for the obvious care and hard work that
went into the production of this book. The richness of the exterior
reflects very much what is inside the covers.