Published in 2021, IWA’s third anthology – Moving Forward – was co-authored by ten of its members (immigrant writers).

Co-Authors

Brian Sankarsingh • Claudiu Murgan • Emanuel Petrescu • Gabriela Casineanu • Gaston Nyabul di Kanza Mabaya • Gerard Keledjian • Marni Dieanu • Paul Lebedev • Phyllis Koppel • Rodica Mariana Niculescu

Book Description

What does moving forward mean to you?

We asked the members of the Immigrant Writers Association (IWA) the same question. And this inspiring anthology is the result!
The ten chapters (fiction, nonfiction, and poetry) will encourage you to rethink the meaning of home, to stay strong in front of adversity, to jump into the void and learn from it, to love and thrive despite the differences, to redefine tough times as seeds for a better future, … and more.

Canadian immigrants, the anthology co-authors have roots and have worked in several countries: Trinidad and Tobago, Romania, DR Congo, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, United States, Caribbean island of St. Kitts, France, and Russia. Such journeys have opened their minds to diverse ideas, perspectives, and cultures—which is reflected in their writing.

This is the third book in the anthology series published by the Immigrant Writers Association (IWA) and written by its members. After Building Bridges (first anthology) and Grow Together (the second), it seemed natural to us to think about … Moving Forward!

All proceeds of this anthology sales go to supporting IWA’s programming and publishing its next anthologies.

What’s inside?

Moving Forward chapters:

  1. The Crossing by Brian Sankarsingh
  2. Ancestral Roots by Claudiu Murgan
  3. No More Boléros by Emanuel Petrescu
  4. Jumping Into the Void by Gabriela Casineanu
  5. “Are you a Toubib?” by Gaston Nyabul di Kanza Mabaya
  6. The Winding Road to Success by Gerard Keledjian
  7. Home Is a Feeling by Marni Dieanu
  8. The Forest Was Another Country by Paul Lebedev
  9. The Art of Moving Forward in Ten Steps by Phyllis Koppel
  10. Mirrors by Rodica Mariana Niculescu

What People Say

“Moving Forward” is an anthology of short stories and one poem published by the Immigrant Writers Association, a Canadian-based organization. The book brings together the thoughts, experiences, and memories of people who have made the ultimate decision to leave their homelands and emigrate to a new land. “Moving Forward” asks these ten authors to relate through the written word what the concept of moving forward means to them. What is produced is an exciting mash-up of different genres that explores immigrant experiences from a wide variety of backgrounds, social structures, and economic conditions. Not all immigrants were driven by a desperate need to leave their homelands due to war, poverty, or seeking a better life; some merely sought to escape parental control or to experience the excitement. The motivations of these immigrants are as distinct as the stories they relate and will appeal to a wide audience.

“Moving Forward” is a wonderful way to capture the voices of a disparate and interesting group of individuals who all now call themselves Canadians. The Immigrant Writers Association, in producing these anthologies, does immense service to not only the authors of these stories but to readers all over the world.

As an immigrant myself, I found myself nodding sagely at some of the thoughts and experiences in these stories, and for me, that’s what made them so relatable and resonant. As with all anthologies, there are some stories that will stick in my mind long after I’ve put this collection down. Perhaps the one that resonated most with me was the story of unrequited love expounded in “Mirrors” by Rodica Mariana Niculescu. The idea that love is the most powerful force in the universe shone from every page of Doru and Dora’s story. I loved this story. Also high on my list of enjoyment was “Are You a Toubib” by Gaston Nyabul Di Kanza Mabaya. I found the synchronicities and universal themes woven through this short story to be absolutely delightful. There really is something in this anthology for everyone and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite

Book Details

  • Publisher : IWA Immigrant Writers Association (Oct. 9 2021)
  • Formats: ebook (ISBN 978-1-9992561-8-0, ASIN B09J39MLFZ), paperback (ISBN 978-1777908102)
  • Language: English
  • Print length : 134 pages

Media Inquiries

Contact Gabriela Casineanu, IWA President.

Available From:

Amazon
IWA (PayPal, Credit Card, Visa Debit)

Interested in multiple copies? Ask us for a discount.