Brandon Reid discusses his debut novel Beautiful Beautiful (Nightwood Editions, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Beautiful Beautiful by Brandon Reid (Nightwood Editions, 2023). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Beautiful Beautiful

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

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

Brandon Reid joins me now. The educator will be publishing his debut novel shortly. Entitled Beautiful Beautiful, the book is a coming-of-age story that examines the complexities of indigeneity, masculinity, and the contrasts between urban and rural life. I’ll get Brandon to tell us about the twelve-year old, Indigenous boy at the heart of the story, Derik Mormin, who we follow as he goes to Bella Bella for his grandfather’s funeral. And Brandon will tell us as much as he’d like about the transformative journey that Derik undertakes, wherein he uncovers the traumatic history of his ancestors. I’ll also ask Brandon about writing, and the sort of themes he takes on in writing, and in fiction in the case of this book. As well, we’ll reflect on the publishing process. Brandon Reid holds a B.Ed. from the University of British Columbia with a specialisation in Indigenous education, and a journalism diploma from Langara College. His work has been published in the Barely South Review, the Richmond Review, and The Province. He is a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation, with a mix of Indigenous and English ancestry. He joined me from Richmond, BC, where he lives. This new book is published by Nightwood Editions. We taped this interview three weeks ago. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Brandon Reid; Mr. Reid, good morning.

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