May 11, 2012

In which I help solve a literary mystery I unwittingly created

1) Dear Ms. Clare, I recently signed out a copy of Lionel Shriver’s The Post-Birthday World from the Toronto Public Library and found it inscribed, “Kerry Clare, March 2007,” as well as with a hand-written “To Kerry” and an illegible signature on the title page. I did some Googling and saw that you reviewed this book on your blog in March, 2007. So this must be “your” copy of the book, right? I’m just wondering why a library book might have your name in it! And possibly the author’s signature, too?

Hoping you’ll be willing to provide an explanation, I remain

A curious fellow reader (who is, incidentally, enjoying the book very much),

Kyle Miller
Toronto

2) Wow, I gave away an autographed book? That wasn’t so clever. I did see Lionel Shriver at HarbourFront in 2007 and she was wonderful. But I have far too many books in my life, and regularly prune my collection, donating the discards to the Spadina Road Library, which is one of the best places I know. If I’d realized it was autographed, I probably would have kept the book. But then I love a good literary mystery as much as the next guy, and I’m pleased to have been a part of one, so I’m glad I didn’t.

Can I post your message on my blog? My blog is all about literary connections, and this is perfect.

Thanks for writing. I’m glad you’re liking the book. I liked it too, as my review attests.

All the best to you,

Kerry