‘Jemima’s Legacy’ Book Launch with author Maxanne Ezer

Maxanne Ezer shares her new book, Jemima’s Legacy followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Maxanne studied Modern Languages and Literature at the University of Toronto and completed the course work for an MA in Russian Literature, then taught English and Creative Writing in inner city schools for thirty-five years.

After retiring, Maxanne became a facilitator with the Toronto Writers Collective. It was through leading workshops for marginalized people that she found her own Writer’s Voice.

Maxanne loves to travel, always making it a point to visit historical museums in both large cities and the smallest of towns and villages. She lives in an old Victorian house in downtown Toronto.

Jemima’s Legacy is Maxanne’s debut novel. In it, she combines her two passions; giving a voice to a forgotten woman and making the history of old Toronto come alive.

Giving a Voice to a Forgotten Woman

From the moment when Maxanne Ezer was appointed to the Board of the Historic Homes of Toronto and heard the story of this forgotten woman, Jemima Howard grabbed a hold of her and wouldn’t let go. It was almost as if she demanded that someone would tell her story. In telling the heart-breaking story of one woman, Jemima’s Legacy explores the myth of “ Toronto the Good” while bringing to life the early years of the settlement with all its politics, gossip snobbishness and hypocrisy. It reveals the hidden story of John and Jemima Howard, the couple who gave High Park to the city. Maxanne taught English and Creative Writing in inner-city schools in Toronto. After retiring, she became a facilitator with the Toronto Writer’s Collective. it was through leading workshops for marginalized people that she found her own Writier’s Voice. Join her as she tells the story of her long journey in writing this story and her experiences as she has brought her novel into the world.