In All Directions: Short Story Anthology

David E. Kemp, a former professor of drama at Queen’s University, is
the author of The Pleasures and Treasures of the United Kingdom.

In 1921, a group of Canadian writers, including the great humorist
Stephen Leacock, banded together to form the Canadian Authors
Association. The impetus for the group’s formation was that pirated
copies of Canadian work were being marketed internationally and it was
thought that a concerted effort was needed to prevent copyright
infringement.

The CAA established branches from coast to coast, and this collection
came into being as the result of a short-story contest. The contest
stipulated that the stories submitted should in some way address
Canada’s current concerns and hopes. This anthology represents the
winning branch entries, together with some members-at-large who do not
have a local branch affiliation.

The 16 stories deal with births, deaths, self-image, loves lost and
found, laughter and sadness. Set in such varied locations as Italy,
Wales, and India, the collection reinforces the image of a multicultural
Canada. Standouts include Colin A. Wright’s nostalgic Italian memory
redolent with the passion of young love, Joan Tovenati’s evocation of
Welsh Protestantism in “Two Fond Hearts,” and Janet Blachford’s
study of betrayal in “You With The Crown on Your Head.” In All
Directions is proof that the Canadian short story is alive and well.