Photo: Science fiction author reads at Iqaluit library

Two new books are available for borrowing at the Iqaluit Centennial Library, thanks to a donation by the award-winning B.C. author, Claudia Casper, who holds a copy of her book, The Mercy Journals. Set in 2048, the book tells a story of a 58-year-old ex-soldier with PTSD. “He’s writing these journals to save himself from being pulled down by the PTSD and to suicide,” Casper said. The novel is set in a post climate change environment, following a global catastrophe where one-third of Earth’s population dies. Casper was in Iqaluit as part of a Vancouver Film School tour during which three young Iqaluit men were selected to attend the academy following auditions. The successful candidates are now eligible to apply for scholarships that Casper helped the school set up for Indigenous youth. The Mercy Journals won the Phillip. K. Dick Award for science-fiction writing, marking the first time a Canadian woman has won the American award. (PHOTO BY BETH BROWN)