Author inspires Arts & Science students to tell their stories

Following Artsci tradition, all incoming Level I Arts & Science students received a special package in the mail this summer – a copy of the book for selected for the Common Reading Program (CRP). The Common Reading Program is a signature program initiative, which provides an early opportunity for first-year students to become immersed in the Arts & Science community of learning, and to participate in a discussion with an established author alongside their Arts & Science peers.

This year’s CRP selection was Brother, an award-winning coming-of-age novel written by Dr. David Chariandy, which, as described by Penguin Random House Canada, explores “questions of masculinity, family, race, and identity as they are played out in a Scarborough housing complex during the sweltering heat and simmering violence of the summer of 1991.” Students were encouraged to read this remarkable book before the start of the Fall term, in preparation for a special visit with Dr. Chariandy in September.

That visit, which took place on 13 September 2024, was certainly a special one. In addition to providing a short reading from the text, Dr. Chariandy spoke powerfully about the various themes woven throughout the book, including the stories and experiences of Black Canadian youth from immigrant families, masculinity and how it is shaped, everyday relationships and love among brothers, police violence against Black youth, and how music can offer a deep sense of belonging and self.  He spoke openly and generously with students about the challenges he faced in writing this difficult yet important story over the course of 10 years, and about his focus on telling the story in a way that was true to the people who live the kinds of experiences the book takes up. “I needed to tell this story. More people should know what is happening,” said Dr. Chariandy.

Students too were active participants in the discussion, with many asking thought-provoking questions about the story, its characters, and the writing process throughout the conversation with Dr. Chariandy. Responding generously to their questions, he also went on to encourage the students to write and tell stories of their own.  “Write what you want to write. Tell the story you want to tell. Put your thoughts and ideas out into the world. You have all lived a life that is worthy of telling,” Dr. Chariandy said. “Keep writing. […] Eventually you’ll come to something that is true to the way you see things from your angle in life. We are all writers.”

McMaster students can watch the film adaptation of Brother, directed by Clement Virgo on Criterion. A screening of the film for Arts & Science students is also being planned for later this year.