A historical fiction novel about Canada’s earliest female journalists
This novel tells the tales of four intrepid women who challenged the restrictions of Canadian journalism in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Agnes Deans Cameron, Robertine Barry, Kate Simpson Hayes, and Kit Coleman fight to be respected as serious journalists in the face of meagre compensation, public scrutiny, and restricted access to newsworthy events, all while juggling personal responsibilities and public reputations.
My books are available directly from me at my studio (contact me via email at rodgers.ruth@gmail.com), on Amazon (ebook available as well as print-on-demand), and at local bookstores here on the Sunshine Coast, BC: Talewind in Sechelt and EarthFair in Madeira Park.
Through storytelling, dialogue, adventures and mishaps, Ruth’s four main characters come alive. This is a memorable tale that disturbs, entertains, and underlines facts that now won’t be easily forgotten by this old girl who came out of a Canadian University journalism graduate school and was assigned to the Women’s Page beat in a big city daily in 1970. I wish I’d read Ruth’s story about these courageous few who challenged the norms of their time to pave the road for me before I struggled to earn my first byline.
Sue Carruthers, ICD.D, FAHP
What remarkable women Agnes, Robertine, Kit, and Kate were! Their stories - heartbreaking, adventurous, courageous, painfully bound by convention - are enthralling. The quotes from their own work make one want to read more.
Rose Norton
Between the Lines is a vital piece of Canadian history, offering captivating insights into the lives of four Canadian visionaries. It serves as a powerful reminder that defying societal norms is often the key to progress. Ruth has brought us a story to be cherished and remembered!
Rosanna Elves, B.A.
Energizing...puts flesh onto the bones of four trailblazing women and captures our hearts with their joys and sorrows as they navigate great societal change.
C.R. Brin, M.Arch, Architect AIBC
For me, the book is an inspirational read precisely because of the characters’ real-life complexity, and its symphonic structure (sonata, scherzo, finale). I greatly admire how you wove such a compelling narrative out of sometimes sinuous threads.
Michael Gurney, Arts Reporter