Award-winning author visits Caledon

Catherine Gildiner (centre) join Sandy Leppan (left) and Joy Parker (right) of the Caledon Library's Valley Girls Book Club.

The Margaret Dunn Valleywood Branch of the Caledon Public Library recently hosted a special visit from award-winning author Catherine Gildiner.

Gildiner became a household name with her memoir, Too Close to the Falls, about growing up in Lewiston New York in the 1950s. Her style was sparse and clear and the memoir successfully combined a child's sensibility with an adult's wisdom. This past fall the Caledon Library selected Too Close to the Falls for their Caledon Reads initiative that encourages everyone in the community to read the same book at the same time and then come together to discuss the book.

Now she has turned her pen to fiction, but given her background and experience, Gildiner would never be satisfied with an uncomplicated plot.

From the first sentence of Seduction, "It's really embarrassing to admit, but I forget why I killed my husband," we undertake a fascinating journey with a woman who has been charged, found guilty, and imprisoned for that very crime of passion (or, perhaps, reason).

A clinical psychologist, Gildiner has worked for years with motive and memory, with mystery and manners. Many will recognize her as the author of Chatelaine's regular psychological advice column. Despite turning to writing, she continues to practice, and her knowledge of therapy shapes much of this novel.

From her opening remarks Catherine captivated the audience. Her insight and stories from her life experiences both, as a psychologist and an author were charming, humorous and witty. For those who missed Catherine she will be returning to Caledon Sunday, April 29, from 12-4 p.m. for an author's afternoon at Forster's Book Garden in Bolton.