Description
The story is a memoir. It’s a slice of history-the story of Gimli, Manitoba-come to life. There’s the mystique of rail travel; there’s rafting on the pond; there’s swimming at the harbour. There’s dancing to the Men of Note. There are bonfires and bull rushes and bicycling the town; the tastes of Central Bakery; the fun of pinball at Sam’s Caf; and the vibes of the Falcon. This book is about adventures that define summer life in Gimli for a city lad. In addition, there’s the story of family and their struggles in the 1930s against a backdrop of happier times at the cottage. Joe Mackintosh uses personal stories and family history to paint a picture of what Gimli means, not only to his own family, but to so many other people. Readers will find their imagination kindled anew as they follow the town map and visit Gimli as it was in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Joe Mackintosh has kept a journal since the mid-eighties and drew heavily on his own past writing and memories in the crafting of this book. In 2011, he was short-listed for the Alexander Kennedy Isbister Non-Fiction Award for his first book, Andy DeJarlis, The Life and Music of an Old-Time Fiddler. His second book, Chris McCubbins, Running the Distance, was published in 2013. Joe and his wife Carole, live north of the town of Gimli on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. He’s still dipping his toes in the lake and feeling the grip of the icy water.
