The author Shani Mootoo discusses her new novel, Moving Forward Sideways Like a Crab (Doubleday, 2014), with Joseph Planta.

Moving Forward Sideways Like a Crab by Shani Mootoo (Doubleday, 2014). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Moving Forward Sideways Like a Crab

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

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

The acclaimed writer Shani Mootoo joins me now. She has just published her latest novel, her sixth, Moving Forward Sideways Like a Crab. I’ve seen a couple of reviews already and they’re quite good. The book is described as a ‘triumphant return,’ about identity, the people around you that make up one’s family, and coming to terms with the past. In the story, Jonathan’s mother Sid disappears from his life when he’s nine years old. He reconnects with his lost parent, Sydney, now a man living in Trinidad. I’ll get Ms. Mootoo to tell us about her book, and the discoveries Jonathan makes, and the meaning that he derives from the life he’s trying to understand. Shani Mootoo’s four previous novels: Out on Main Street, Cereus Blooms at Night, He Drown She in the Sea, and Valmilki’s Daughter, have all been critical successes, nominated for various prizes. She’s also written a book of poetry, The Predicament of Or. This new book is published by Doubleday. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Shani Mootoo; Ms. Mootoo, good morning.

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