The acclaimed author and historian Charlotte Gray talks about her bestselling book, The Massey Murder: A Maid, Her Master and the Trial That Shocked a Country (HarperCollins, 2013), with Joseph Planta.

The Massey Murder: A Maid, Her Master and the Trial That Shocked a Country by Charlotte Gray (HarperCollins, 2013). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Massey Murder

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

There’s a really great book out now from one of Canada’s pre-eminent and bestselling historians. The Massey Murder: A Maid, Her Master and the Trial That Shocked a Country is the latest from Charlotte Gray, who joins me now. It’s February 1915, and a member of one of Canada’s more prominent families is shot outside of his Toronto home. Bert Massey dies, and an 18-year old domestic servant, Carrie Davies confesses, thus beginning a sensational trial. The Great War is going on, yet the trial gets a lot of attention from the Canadian public. The book provides great insight into what Canada was like in 1915, the sort of social culture in Canada’s largest city, as well as the politics of the era thanks to the media and the establishment of the day. It’s a compelling read, and foretells what will soon happen in the country, chiefly what is to come with regards to the role of women in Canadian society. Charlotte Gray is an award winning author and historian, who is also a Member of the Order of Canada. Her previous books include: Mrs. King, Flint and Feather, Canada: A Portrait in Letters, The Museum Called Canada, Reluctant Genius, Nellie McClung, and Gold Diggers, which was her last book, a critical and bestselling hit, soon to be a miniseries on the Discovery Channel. Visit www.charlottegray.ca for more information. This new book is published by HarperCollins. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, in Kingston, Ontario today, Charlotte Gray; Ms. Gray, good morning.

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