Koffler Centre of the Arts

The Canadian launch of author Judy Batalion’s, The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler’s Ghettos, in conversation with Toronto’s revered broadcaster and journalist, Garvia Bailey.

Our 2021 Spring Books & Ideas season begins with the launch of Judy Batalion’s The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler’s Ghettos. Witnesses to the brutal murder of their families and neighbors and the violent destruction of their communities, a cadre of Jewish women in Poland—some still in their teens—helped transform the Jewish youth groups into resistance cells to fight the Nazis. Powerful and inspiring, featuring twenty black-and-white photographs, The Light of Days is an unforgettable true tale of war, the fight for freedom, exceptional bravery, female friendship, and survival in the face of staggering odds.

Judy Batalion will join storyteller, broadcaster, host, and producer, Garvia Bailey, in a virtual conversation.

The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler's Ghettos can be purchased at Indigo.

ASSOCIATED EVENT

Writing Workshop with Judy Batalion: Memoir & Publishing

Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 12–12:45 PM | FREE | Click here to Register
In this lunchtime chat, author Judy Batalion will be sharing insights and advice about writing memoir (both books and essays) with an eye to having your work published. After Judy’s presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to further the conversation.

JUDY BATALION is the author of White Walls: A Memoir About Motherhood, Daughterhood and the Mess in Between. She has written for the New York Times, Vogue, the Washington Post and many other publications. Prior to her writing career, she was an academic and is fluent in both Yiddish and Hebrew. Born and raised in Montreal, she now lives in New York with her husband and children.

GARVIA BAILEY is a storyteller, broadcaster, host, producer, and co-founder of the on-line radio station, JAZZCAST (jazzcast.ca). An esteemed and ongoing freelance contributor with the CBC, Garvia is currently a podcast producer/host with Antica Productions and Media Girlfriends Inc., and produces content with the award winning multi-media production company Pop Sandbox. Garvia is a jurist for the prestigious Canadian Hillman Prize, honouring the best in investigative journalism, and a 2020 co-winner of the Canadian RTNDA award for opinion writing. Garvia is currently editing her 83-year-old mother Eva’s memoirs.

Presented in partnership with Toronto Public Library.

Thanks to HarperCollins Canada, and to event bookseller, Indigo.

Our year-round Books & Ideas series spotlights provocative writers, novelists and thinkers, celebrating literary excellence and fostering critical dialogue through compelling book launches, author talks and in-depth interviews.

This spring, Books & Ideas continues to recognize female voices and experimental literature, featuring authors and books that reflect upon forgotten histories, intersectionality, personal narratives, and self-discovery. All programs will be presented virtually on our online platform.

Books & Ideas was launched with the generous support of Dorothy Shoichet & Family and the Estate of Joseph Koenig.

Judy Batalion with Garvia Bailey

Photos