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In October 2023, the book ‘The Uncaged Voice’ was published from Cormorant Books, with the support of PEN Canada and Canada Council for the Arts. It features stories of 16 refugee writers in Canada, from 14 countries.
Everyone of the contributing writers to ‘The Uncaged Voice — Stories by Writers in Exile’: is a professional writer and journalist having escaped arrest and torture in countries where freedom of the press and expression is more aspirational than realized.
Featuring Abdulrahman Matar, originally from Syria, now living in Newmarket, Mr. Matar is a Syrian writer and journalist residing in Canada as a refugee since 2015. Since his days as a young man in Syria, he has devoted his life to issues of rights, freedoms and civil society in addition to culture and literature. Consequently, Matar was arrested and imprisoned five times for exercising his freedom of expression.
He has published six books of poetry, stories, and novels as well as articles and political studies in the Arab press. In addition to being the Editorial advisor of the literary magazine “Awraq,” Matar is also founder and director of the Syrian-Mediterranean Cultural Forum (SMCF) which focuses on introducing Arab writers and artists to the Canadian community.
Mr. Matar states unequivocally: “Canada has given me protection, safety and peace on a personal level. I also enjoy freedoms, especially freedom of expression.”
The title of the book “The Uncaged Voice” captures the idea of freedom of expression by those who had been silenced, Keith Ross Leckie the book’s editor, who has been working with the refugee journalists from the beginning. Many of their personal stories detail the struggles of oppressed journalists compelled to flee their countries.
Joining Mr. Matar is special guest Mr. Keith Ross Leckie, Editor of ‘The Uncaged Voice – Stories by Writers in Exile’ to present the contributing
authors for the evening:
• Arzu Yildiz
• Pedro A. Restrepo
• Gezahegn Mekonnen Demissie
Also featured will be artist, Mwafaq Katt, a prominent Syrian Canadian artist, recognized for his remarkable contributions to political cartooning, animation filmmaking, and painting.
Onsite book sales provided by Blue Heron Books.
Time: 7 – 9:30 PM with a 30-minute intermission and Q and A
Location: Old Town Hall – Auditorium
Doors open 6:00 PM – Admission is free, light refreshments will be available.
Books will be available for sale and authors will be available for signing.
