In reponse to an invitation from Mill Street Books, Her Excellency Mrs. Sharon Johnston was in Almonte Wednesday evening speaking about her novel, Matrons and Madams. Set after the First World War, the book is based on family history. The author’s grandmother was a Matron at a hospital in Lethbridge Alberta. The book deals with many matters still relevant today – loss, rehabilitation, immigration and even STDs! We have sold 49 copies to date – with 2 signed copies left in the store. Better rush in!
His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, attended as well. They visited Mill Street Books and were warmly greeted by our Mayor Shaun McLaughlin at the Almonte Public Library where Her Excellency made her presentation. We sent them home with lemon loaves and Hummingbird chocolate. We were honoured to host this special event and hope Their Excellencies will return again to discover more of Almonte.
– Mary and Terry Lumsden, Mill Street Books
What did the Governor General and his wife eat in Almonte?
Café Postino was proud to serve the Johnstons following their visit to Mill Street Books.
Matrons and Madams is the first of three books by Sharon Johnston that will be published over the next few years by Dundurn Press. The book ranges from the end of the First World War through the decade after. Her second book, Bread and Roses, will take in the Second World War. The third, The Boy in Orange Pyjamas, will encompass the 1960s and 1970s in Toronto. She is now in the midst of writing her second book.
So what did Canada’s most gracious couple eat while they visited Almonte? They ordered from Café Postino’s regular menu. His Excellency enjoyed Veal Postino – scaloppini dipped in flour and sautéed with butter, mushrooms and green onion with a demi-glaze of creamy Sambuca sauce. Her Excellency chose bruschetta and minestrone soup alla Genovese. They were friendly and engaging with staff, kind enough to pose for photographs, and the Governor General said he would return to our town for more “good Italian food”.