Old Roots, New Shoots encapsulates the journeys of immigrant writers who, like the roots of a tree, have sought new soil in Canada, nurturing their dreams and talents as they flourish in their new home. The theme of renewal and growth resonates throughout the anthology, as the writers explore their unique narrative of starting afresh, blending past experiences with hopes for the future.
This collection of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction features French contributions for the first time—reflecting Canada’s rich bilingual tradition and the diverse voices that shape our literary landscape. It is also a special honour to highlight that one of our contributors received the prestigious CBC Book Award during the creation of this anthology.
Inspired by their roots and experiences on different continents—Bangladesh, Iran, Lebanon, UAE, DR Congo, Ghana, Burundi, Nigeria, UK, Poland, Romania, France, Ukraine, China, and USA—this anthology celebrates the strength, resilience, and boundless creativity of immigrant writers, offering readers stories of transformation and belonging.
This is the sixth anthology published by the Immigrant Writers Association (IWA), written by its members: Building Bridges (2019), Grow Together (2020), Moving Forward (2021), Finding The Way (2022), Reborn With Memories (2023), and Old Roots, New Shoots (2024).
All the proceeds from the anthology sales go to support IWA’s programs and its annual anthology project.
What’s inside?
Old Roots, New Shoots chapters:
FICTION 1. WATER CONFESSIONS by Claudiu Murgan 2. THE AWAKENING OF LAYLA by M K Aaref POETRY 3. MON JUMEAU DE L’AUTRE MÈRE par Gaston Nyabul di Kanza Mabaya 4. ODYSSÉE DES BRAVES par Sonia Muhimpundu Kayishema 5. ODYSSEY OF THE BRAVES by Sonia Muhimpundu Kayishema 6. DUAL ROUTES & LAND SPIRIT by Surveyor Efik NON-FICTION 7. DEAR FRIENDS, by Aldona Dziedziejko 8. THE “ROOTS & BRIDGE” STORY by Brian Li 9. INDIGENOUS THURSDAYS by Farshid Sadatsharifi 10. THE “BRIDGE BUILDER” by Gabriela Casineanu 11. NAVIGATING NEW HORIZONS by Gerard Keledjian 12. RECLAIMING OUR PLACE ON THE WORLD STAGE by Olesya Kolisnyk 13. LOVE LETTERS TO MYSELF by Rachel Lawerh
What People Say
Interesting. A rich tapestry of immigrant experiences. Diverse and compelling.
Beautifully Crafted! We need this right now… So articulate and fresh! So many images from this are stuck in my head now….
Book Details
Publisher : IWA Immigrant Writers Association (October 4, 2024)
