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Local author releases second book of short fiction inspired by Fernie

Gordon Sombrowski’s new book, What Narcissus Saw, in on sale now
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Fernie author Gordon Sombrowski with a copy of his new book, What Narcissus Saw. (Scott Tibballs / The Free Press)

Fernie author Gordon Sombrowski has released a second book of short stories in ‘What Narcissus Saw’, inspired by the experience that is Fernie.

“It takes modern dilemmas and it examines them through the unique community that Fernie is,” said Sombrowski, who explained that he drew inspiration for the book from Fernie’s juxtaposition of it’s heritage as a mining town and its modern identity, and the way it has changed over time.

“In the last 30 years it has changed dramatically, and that has changed the people who are here, and changed the way he community reacts and responds.

“These stories are seeking to express that though a variety of voices who are dealing with those changes, and at the same time dealing with how the world is changing in general.”

Sombrowski said that What Narcissus Saw is connected to his previous book, What Echo Heard, both in name (in the mythology of Narcissus and Echo), and themes.

While What Echo Heard (published ten years ago) is made up of echoes of the past, “What Narcissus Saw is very much set in the present,” he said.

”We live in a very narcissistic society,” he said, adding that in ‘resort world’ as he calls it, narcissism is in effect.

“People are at their most narcissistic when they’re on holiday - it’s about themselves.

“I think the stories do reflect a degree of narcissism that is typical to modern life, and to life in a resort community.”

What Narcissus Saw is available from Polar Peek bookstore in Fernie.

The book will have an official launch at 7pm on December 7 at Park Place Lodge, where Sombrowski will be joined in conversation with Angie Abdou about the book and the stories within. Bookings are required. Click here to register for the event.

READ MORE: Cheers to the Elk River: Fernie Distillers make festive liqueur with local berry flavour



scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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