A B.C. bestselling poet is happy to be returning to her roots for Poetry in the Park this weekend.
Renée Sarojini Saklikar is one of the featured poets at the Royal City Literary Arts Society’s reading series, set for 3 p.m. under the big tree on the lawn outside Massey Theatre.
Saklikar will be reading from her new book, Bramah and The Beggar Boy, billed as an “epic fantasy in verse” – a blend of high fantasy fiction and epic poetry.
It’s the first book in a series about climate change and global inequality.
The book’s hero is the time-travelling Bramah, a “brown, brave and beautiful” locksmith who helps an orphan beggar boy. Together, they join a group of seed savers battling to save a planet ravaged by climate change and social disorder. The setting is an alternative world, Pacifica, based on the West Coast of North America.
The book debuted as a B.C. bestseller. (Copies will be available for sale and signing at the reading.)
For Saklikar, having the chance to share her work at the event holds special meaning. She attended New Westminster Secondary School and grew up on Dublin Street, just steps from the “poet tree” at the corner of Eighth and Eighth where she’ll be sharing this weekend.
For Poetry in the Park, Saklikar will be featured alongside Claire Matthews. There’s also an open mic session; everyone's invited to bring their own chairs and turn out to listen or take part. The series is hosted by the Royal City Literary Arts Society.
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