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Author Talk with Gary May - "Unburdening: a Novel"

Culture Days

Join us for an engaging conversation with local author Gary May as he discusses his new historical novel, Unburdening.

Author Gary May explores cultural storytelling through his novel, Unburdening.

During this engaging talk, Gary will share his journey from being a newspaper reporter in Sarnia, to writing about Lambton County’s petroleum industry. He has also written, and will discuss, the biography of oil pioneer William Henry McGarvey. Gary will share about how that experience brought him to writing his first historical novel. He will read selected passages from Unburdening and take part in a lively conversation about the book, its themes, and the research behind it. Audience members will also have the opportunity to ask questions during an interactive Q&A session. Signed copies of Unburdening will be available for purchase following the Q&A. Stay and meet the author.  

Unburdening: A Novel 

An evocative novel about identity, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.

Known for his acclaimed biographies and award-winning books on the history of the oil industry, Gary May’s literary talents shine in Unburdening, his first venture into fiction.

In 1975, James O’Malley, a journalist-turned-college professor, returns to his family’s Ontario apple farm to grapple with his mother’s suicide. As he delves into his family’s history, he realizes how little he truly understands about those he loves. Through James’s journey, readers uncover the complexities of identity and the enduring bonds of family, transcending blood ties and connecting to the eternal lure of the land.

Set against a backdrop of historical events, Unburdening follows the O’Malley family from their origins in Ireland, fleeing to Canada in the mid-nineteenth century. Their story mirrors Canada’s development, from pioneering days to wartime struggles, economic turmoil, and national crises.

Reserve Gary's books from the library: 

• Unburdening
• Hard Oiler!
• Crude genius: the making of an international oil baron
• A hard oiler love story: the lives of Amy and Amos Barnes
• Groundbreaker : how the brilliant inventions of Leo Ranney transformed water and energy technology
• The scent of oil : a Nicklos/Perkins family saga

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GARY MAY is an award-winning writer, historian, and editor. He has worked for various newspapers including, the Ottawa Citizen and the London Free Press. He has published a number of history books, most recently, Crude Genius: The Making of an International Oil Baron - William H. McGarvey. He lives in Windsor, Ontario.

Books will be available for sale for $25 dollars (tax included), cash or e-transfer only. 

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