The writer and poet Theresa Kishkan discusses her new memoir Blue Portugal and Other Essays (University of Alberta Press, 2022), with Joseph Planta.

Blue Portugal and Other Essays by Theresa Kishkan (University of Alberta Press, 2022). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Blue Portugal

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

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

Theresa Kishkan joins me now. The acclaimed writer and poet has just published a new book Blue Portugal and Other Essays. The form these pieces take on is what’s described as “braided essays.” They show the writer as she thins deeply about the natural world, the aging body, genealogy, history, textiles, music and Ms. Kishkan’s many intellectual pursuits. We get a sense of her home on the Sechelt Peninsula, from where she joined me from last week. I’ll ask her about the house, where she works and what it means to her. I’ll also ask Theresa about the trip she made to The Ukraine, something she writes about in the book, as she seeks information about her family; her roots. That was in 2019, just before the pandemic, and before the invasion by Russia. Theresa Kishkan is the author of more than a dozen books, including poetry, fiction, and collections of essays. Visit her website at www.theresakishkan.com, where she blogs regularly. This new book is published by the University of Alberta Press. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Theresa Kishkan; Ms. Kishkan, good morning.

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