The acclaimed author Fred Stenson discusses his recent novel Who By Fire (Doubleday, 2014), which looks at life in the Albertan resource industry, as well he discusses with Joseph Planta, the writing scene in Alberta and more.

Who By Fire by Fred Stenson (Doubleday, 2014). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Who By Fire

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

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

The bestselling and award-winning author Fred Stenson joins me now. He was in town last week (11 March 2015) for an appearance with the Vancouver Writers Fest to discuss his recent novel, Who By Fire. It’s a novel that’s gotten good notices for its depiction of a family in Southern Alberta, who in the 1960s find their lives affected by a sour gas processing plant nearby. The Ryder family farms, and Tom and Ella and their three children live downwind of the plant, and find the escaping gas making them sick and killing their animals. The book moves to the present where we see Tom and Ella’s only son, Bill, now working in the oil industry. We see him near the end of his career, looking at life. I’ll get Mr. Stenson to tell us about this book, and the themes he writes of such as the oil industry, life in Alberta, family relationships, marriage, loyalty, and community. Fred Stenson’s book The Trade was nominated for the Giller Prize in 2000, and won numerous other awards. He’s also written works of fiction and non-fiction. Amongst his other critically acclaimed and prize-winning works include, The Great Karoo, and Lightning. His website is at www.fredstenson.ca. Who By Fire is published by Doubleday. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Fred Stenson; Mr. Stenson, good morning.

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