The Book Of Love Letters: Canadian Kinship, Friendship, And Romance [Paperback]

In the 138 years since Confederation, kinfolk, friends, old married couples, and especially young lovers have declared on paper their caring and passion. The letters in this unique collection are moving, dramatic, funny, and remind us that falling in love is a universal experience.“These people feel like ghosts lingering from the past in their best disguises — full of love and longing.”
— Globe and Mail

“Curl up in a comfy chair and brace yourself for a heartwarming collection of letters that will make you long to be with your loved ones.”
— Canadian Living

“A remarkable book of tenderness, affection, passion and heartfelt emotion.”
— Edmonton JournalPaul and Audrey Grescoe live on Bowen Island, near Vancouver, B.C.vIVA MERCEDES! VIVA PIERRE!

In 1971, while he was touring Europe on leave from his job as a cook at a catering company in Gillam, Manitoba, Pierre Michel Trudeau met Mercedes Roman at a dance in Madrid. After the dance, she gave him her home address in Bilbao, and a month later he came to see her. They spent fifty-three days getting to know one another (“no monkey besseness”) and falling in love. Before Pierre returned to Canada, he promised they would be married in a year. With the determination of her Basque ancestors, Mercedes began to undo her life in Spain – telling her family she was going to marry and move to Canada, deciding what possessions she would give away or take with her, and, finally, quitting her interesting and secure job. During a 440-day separation, the pair continued their courtship in probing letters, written in English because neither could spl3"