Author Andrew Morton, known for his best-selling biography on Princess Diana, shared some titillating tidbits from his latest controversial book, 17 Carnations: The Royals, the Nazis and the Biggest Cover-Up in History, at a literacy luncheon held Friday at the Métropolitain Brasserie.
Jayne Watson, CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation, proved to be a well-prepared and disarming interviewer as she posed a series of questions to the Englishman, who came off as intelligent, articulate and unpretentious.
Attendees included longtime political journalist Don Newman as well as Mary de Toro, head of the Ottawa branch of the Monarchist League of Canada. “I’m interested in anything to do with the Royal family,” said de Toro.
The Ottawa International Writers Festival luncheons raise money for a youth literacy program. It sends authors to schools to encourage students to foster a love of reading.
“We’re just thrilled that (Morton) can be here and, clearly, there’s a great interest in his work,” Sean Wilson, artistic director of the Writers Festival, told Around Town. “Anytime we can have one of these great luncheons and they sell out, it’s a beautiful thing.
It means not only are we having some good food and good company but children are going to get to work with a real, accomplished writer.
“Literacy is a birthright.”
For those lovers of the mid-day meal and a good book, Sharon Johnston, wife of Gov. Gen. David Johnston, will be speaking about her debut novel at a literacy luncheon slated for May 14.
From left: Andrew McAlister, Shannon Day-Newman, Don Newman and Tara Shields attended a literary luncheon benefit featuring author Andrew Morton, held Thursday, March 13, 2015, at the Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant.
From left: Royal biographer Andrew Morton, seen with event host Jayne Watson and Ottawa International Writers Festival artistic director Sean Wilson, was the special guest author at a luncheon held Thursday, March 13, 2015, at the Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant in benefit of children’s literacy.
From left: Claudia Chowaniec and Catherine Lindquist were among the attendees of a literary luncheon benefit held Thursday, March 13, 2015, at the Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant, featuring British author Andrew Morton.
Mary de Toro, head of the Ottawa branch of the Monarchist League of Canada, attended a literary luncheon held Thursday, March 13, 2015, at the Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant, featuring Royal biographer Andrew Morton.
Celebrity author Andrew Morton, seen with event host Jayne Watson, was the special guest at a luncheon organized by the Ottawa International Writers Festival on Thursday, March 13, 2015, at the Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant in benefit of children’s literacy.
Celebrity author Andrew Morton, seen with event host Jayne Watson, was the special guest at a luncheon organized by the Ottawa International Writers Festival on Thursday, March 13, 2015, at the Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant in benefit of children’s literacy.
