Marty Gervais Livres

Set in the late 1920s and 1930s, this is the story of teenage French-Canadian farm girls from Stoney Point and Pain Court and Grande Pointe packing up and moving to the city, to find work in Windsor or Detroit as house keepers and nannies for well-to-do families. Marie Anne Mineau was one of those innocent young women whose life on the farm and the village is dominated by religion, and all its expectations and superstitions. She speaks of ghosts in the fields and haunting the farmhouse, of weddings and lavish picnics in a black Walnut grove back the barn, of collecting eggs and doing chores, of a sister running off to be married, and Marie Anne’s own wedding, at barely 19 years old, and driving through the night to Niagara Falls with a man she hardly knew. The poems, written by Windsor’s Marty Gervais, are cast in the voice of his own mother who shared all these stories of him. It is a picture of a time and place now lost to history, but it was one that vividly captures the story of hundreds of young women who left rural Canada for good paying jobs away in the city.

A paean to iconic personalities Moving, intriguing, and exquisite, this collection is a paean to the iconic personalities Marty Gervais has met and written about during his career as both a poet and a journalist and includes poems about such diverse characters as Muhammad Ali, Mother Teresa, Benjamin Spock, Norman Mailer, Karen Kain and Thomas Merton. Each poem narrows the focus to one little detail about them, a slice of a memoir but in poetic form.

"Table Manners follows Mosaic Press's To Be Now: Selected and New published in 2003. In this new volume, Windsor's first poet laureate Marty Gervais, turns his attention to the border stories of south-western Ontario. The winner of the prestigious Harbourfront Prize and the Queen's Jubilee Medal, Gervais writes about the flat open farm country outside of Windsor, but also living and working in the shadow of Detroit. The table becomes the metaphor for all that takes place in a lifetime: the place of conversation, of creativity, work, sustenance, and of deal making and relationships."--

Essential for grasping the complexities of Prohibition in the US, this book delves into the historical context and societal implications of this significant era. It explores the motivations behind the movement, its impact on American culture, and the eventual consequences that shaped the nation. With engaging insights, it aims to educate readers on the intricate dynamics of law, morality, and social change during this pivotal time in history.

This collection features insightful newspaper columns by Marty Gervais, originally published in The Windsor Star. Through his engaging writing, Gervais explores local stories, community issues, and personal reflections, offering readers a unique perspective on life in Windsor. The columns blend humor and poignancy, capturing the essence of everyday experiences while highlighting the importance of local voices in journalism.

The award-winning poet Marty Gervais looks no further than life as it unfolds around him. He sees poetry as "the history of the human heart," and it is there that he discovers the substance for these new poems where the writer wrestles with the universal questions age, illness, and even death but not without showing the reader the tremendous power devotion plays in the conduct of one's life. This eclectic mix of poems are about boxers and singers, monks and priests in the Andes, and about a brother finding a 'cure' for blindness. Other poems speak about what people know, or see, or where they have been, or what they think. The beauty of Gervais' voice resides in his ability to hear what others have said and to give thanks for the love that being with others has brought him.

Exploring connections and the complexities of relationships, this collection of epistolary short fictions delves into themes of origin and fatherhood. Through a series of interconnected tales, the author weaves narratives that transcend borders, showcasing the richness of human experiences. The lyrical storytelling invites readers to reflect on the sweetness of lives intertwined, much like the experience of savoring fine French wine.

Exploring a rich tapestry of experiences, the narrative chronicles the life of an award-winning poet, journalist, and photographer. It captures both extraordinary moments, like an encounter with Mother Teresa, and everyday adventures, such as braving winter storms to support his sons in hockey. Through these stories, the author weaves together personal reflections and the beauty of life's simple pleasures, showcasing the profound impact of both remarkable and mundane events.

Exploring the intersection of poetry and photography, this collection pays tribute to renowned photographers like Eudora Welty and Robert Capa, as well as local talent Pat Sturn. The author provides a unique narration that reinterprets their work, infusing new meaning into iconic images and the personalities behind them. Through this homage, Gervais elevates the artistry of photography, inviting readers to see familiar subjects from a fresh perspective.

Exploring the rich history of Windsor, Ontario, this narrative walking tour delves into the five distinct communities that shape the border town. Through vivid storytelling, readers will uncover the unique cultural and historical significance of each area, offering a deeper understanding of Windsor's heritage and the diverse experiences of its residents. This immersive journey invites readers to appreciate the local landscape and its stories, making it a compelling guide for both visitors and locals alike.