Ottawa Book Launch: Strangely, Friends: A History of Cuban-Canadian Encounters
From Octopus’ website:
RSVP link: https://octopusbooks.ca/events/3599820251002
“Join us to celebrate the launch of Strangely, Friends: A History of Cuban-Canadian Encounters. Author Karen Dubinsky will be joined in conversation by Patrizia Gentile.
Strangely, Friends delves into the rich, often overlooked history of personal and cultural connections between Cubans and Canadians. From the early days of the Cuban Revolution to the present, this book uncovers the stories of Canadians who were drawn to Cuba—teachers, artists, development aid workers, filmmakers, and activists—who left an indelible mark on the island, and Cubans, especially the musicians, who found a home in Canada.
Through intimate portraits and serendipitous encounters, Karen Dubinsky explores how these relationships transcended political ideologies and state policies, revealing a shared humanity that defies borders.
From the classrooms of Havana to the jazz clubs of Toronto, this book captures the enduring bonds forged through music, education, and mutual curiosity, offering a fresh perspective on the power of people-to-people connections.
Karen Dubinsky is an Emeritus Professor at Queen’s University. Between 2008 and 2023 she co-ordinated and co-taught in a Queen’s exchange program with University of Havana. Her previous books include studies of transnational adoption, Canadian cultural history, and Canadian-Global South relations. She lives in Kingston, Ontario.
Patrizia Gentile is a Carleton University Professor at the Feminist Institute of Social Transformation and an Associate Director at the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies.”