Member Profile Mike L B
Mike L B
User Level
Member
Date Joined
October 22 2018 23:38:49
Last Visit
July 10 2020 22:01:39
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Contact Information
Location
Toronto, Canada
Biography
I am a retired social worker specializing in working with at risk adolescents. My last employment was with the Toronto District School Board. I graduated from York University (Honours BA) in 1972. I attended prolific Canadian poet Irving Layton's poetry workshop in my senior year. I have had poems published in several university publications as well as an anthology introduced by Professor Layton. "Our Fathers Ashes" is my first attempt at fiction.
Miscellaneous Information
Submitted Writings
Type: Story
Young Jakob and his teacher Mr. McCloud get involved in a classroom row which turns physical. McCloud loses his cool and yells out a racist taunt. Jakob’s parents are notified of an emergency meeting between the school officials and the two combatants. The chapter focuses on the teacher on the day of the meeting. We learn that his life is in turmoil: his wife has thrown him out of the house and he has no idea about possible disciplinarian action that might be forthcoming. Also, the memories of his war years as a POW are beginning to haunt him again.
Young Jakob and his teacher Mr. McCloud get involved in a classroom row which turns physical. McCloud loses his cool and yells out a racist taunt. Jakob’s parents are notified of an emergency meeting between the school officials and the two combatants. The chapter focuses on the teacher on the day of the meeting. We learn that his life is in turmoil: his wife has thrown him out of the house and he has no idea about possible disciplinarian action that might be forthcoming. Also, the memories of his war years as a POW are beginning to haunt him again.
Type: Story
Jakob confronts the school bully after the funeral
Jakob confronts the school bully after the funeral
Type: Story
After the "incident"with his student Jakob, Ian McCloud finds himself with the added troubles of domestic life.
After the "incident"with his student Jakob, Ian McCloud finds himself with the added troubles of domestic life.
Type: Story
The teacher, on his way to a meeting with the school principal and student, reads an old war journal of his during the final days of the war.
The teacher, on his way to a meeting with the school principal and student, reads an old war journal of his during the final days of the war.
Type: Story
In the opening chapter of the novel we meet Jakob Okker, named after his grandfather, who along with his grandmother and aunts, had perished at Sobibor, the Nazi death camp. He is the son of Nathan, who with his uncle Mickey, are the two main protagonists in the novel. We find a troubled Jakob in a Toronto high school classroom 17 years after the brothers emigrated to Canada following the war. Many people view Canada as a very welcoming country, known for its liberal immigration policies and ethnic diversity, especially Toronto which today is arguably the most ethnic diverse city in the world with visible minorities now greater than half of the population. But as the chapter reveals, it wasn't alway so, particularly during the two or three decades following the end of WW2. It is particularly relevant in today's increasing climate of racism and xenophobia--a sober reminder that hate can still rear its ugly head even after the lessons supposedly learned from the last war. The fact I am submitting it now, as the midterm elections results are just a few hours away, is no coincidence!
In the opening chapter of the novel we meet Jakob Okker, named after his grandfather, who along with his grandmother and aunts, had perished at Sobibor, the Nazi death camp. He is the son of Nathan, who with his uncle Mickey, are the two main protagonists in the novel. We find a troubled Jakob in a Toronto high school classroom 17 years after the brothers emigrated to Canada following the war. Many people view Canada as a very welcoming country, known for its liberal immigration policies and ethnic diversity, especially Toronto which today is arguably the most ethnic diverse city in the world with visible minorities now greater than half of the population. But as the chapter reveals, it wasn't alway so, particularly during the two or three decades following the end of WW2. It is particularly relevant in today's increasing climate of racism and xenophobia--a sober reminder that hate can still rear its ugly head even after the lessons supposedly learned from the last war. The fact I am submitting it now, as the midterm elections results are just a few hours away, is no coincidence!
Type: Story
This historical novel chronicles the lives of the Okkers, a Dutch Jewish family living in Amsterdam who get caught up in the struggles and horrors of World War Two and the Nazi occupation. The novel meanders chronologically through time and place, including events in Amsterdam, Vienna, Danzig, and Toronto. The story reveals itself through the journals, diaries, and narrative of those experiencing the hardships and horrors of war and the emotional and physical collateral damage. I have randomly chosen this chapter for critique.
This historical novel chronicles the lives of the Okkers, a Dutch Jewish family living in Amsterdam who get caught up in the struggles and horrors of World War Two and the Nazi occupation. The novel meanders chronologically through time and place, including events in Amsterdam, Vienna, Danzig, and Toronto. The story reveals itself through the journals, diaries, and narrative of those experiencing the hardships and horrors of war and the emotional and physical collateral damage. I have randomly chosen this chapter for critique.
Type: Story
Jakob visits Cody in the mental hospital.
Jakob visits Cody in the mental hospital.
Type: Story
This is an excerpt from a lengthy chapter (verbosity, a bad habit of mine!). Otto Weschler, father of Hannah (the orphan girl who went on to live with the Okker brothers and their uncle in London during the war), a Jewish architect and teacher of some esteem, had recently had an affair with Gerda, a gentile student who finds herself pregnant. The couple had feared that her family, Nazi supporters, would find out about their affair. This scene presents the girl's uncle, a wealthy Nazi member visiting Otto's parents' chocolate shop in Vienna on the advice of his niece, seeking a gift for the Chancellor whom had invited him to a party.
This is an excerpt from a lengthy chapter (verbosity, a bad habit of mine!). Otto Weschler, father of Hannah (the orphan girl who went on to live with the Okker brothers and their uncle in London during the war), a Jewish architect and teacher of some esteem, had recently had an affair with Gerda, a gentile student who finds herself pregnant. The couple had feared that her family, Nazi supporters, would find out about their affair. This scene presents the girl's uncle, a wealthy Nazi member visiting Otto's parents' chocolate shop in Vienna on the advice of his niece, seeking a gift for the Chancellor whom had invited him to a party.
Type: Story
Mickey Okker, after emigrating to Canada joins a socialist club and meets up with a young women at a holiday dance.
Mickey Okker, after emigrating to Canada joins a socialist club and meets up with a young women at a holiday dance.
Type: Story
Nathan and Mickey emigrate to Canada after the war. Nate opens a radio repair shop shortly after their arrival in Toronto. Mickey joins a secular Jewish organization that is supportive of the socialist movement and the Soviet Union, a precarious decision, considering the rising “Red Scare” originating south of the border. He attends their holiday dance and meets a Goldie, a precocious girl whose father owns a successful slipper factory. After a steamy night, the girl promises she will call him to set up another meeting. Finally, Goldie calls Nate long distance and arranges for them to meet at a swanky restaurant located in the Simpson’s department store in the city’s downtown. Goldie is no wallflower. She has a sailor’s mouth and a hatred of phoneys and hypocrites. She decides to have some fun with the staid diners with Nate’s assistance. The couple puts on a hilarious theatrical display that leaves the diners and staff horrified. It is important to note that the chapter takes place in 1950. In this context, many people of a younger age will be puzzled by some of the language which was relevant in those days eg: “yodel my groceries, bees knees, sissies, etc. The main theme is the intolerance and bigotry which was prevalent in Toronto, a city still controlled by the powerful WASP establishment. Ironically (and thankfully) the city today is the most ethnically diverse in the world.
Nathan and Mickey emigrate to Canada after the war. Nate opens a radio repair shop shortly after their arrival in Toronto. Mickey joins a secular Jewish organization that is supportive of the socialist movement and the Soviet Union, a precarious decision, considering the rising “Red Scare” originating south of the border. He attends their holiday dance and meets a Goldie, a precocious girl whose father owns a successful slipper factory. After a steamy night, the girl promises she will call him to set up another meeting. Finally, Goldie calls Nate long distance and arranges for them to meet at a swanky restaurant located in the Simpson’s department store in the city’s downtown. Goldie is no wallflower. She has a sailor’s mouth and a hatred of phoneys and hypocrites. She decides to have some fun with the staid diners with Nate’s assistance. The couple puts on a hilarious theatrical display that leaves the diners and staff horrified. It is important to note that the chapter takes place in 1950. In this context, many people of a younger age will be puzzled by some of the language which was relevant in those days eg: “yodel my groceries, bees knees, sissies, etc. The main theme is the intolerance and bigotry which was prevalent in Toronto, a city still controlled by the powerful WASP establishment. Ironically (and thankfully) the city today is the most ethnically diverse in the world.
Type: Story
This chapter reveals a series of letters between Nate and Mickey's mother in Amsterdam and their uncle in London where they spend their summer holidays just before Britain declares war on Germany
This chapter reveals a series of letters between Nate and Mickey's mother in Amsterdam and their uncle in London where they spend their summer holidays just before Britain declares war on Germany
Type: Story
This is a section of chapter 13 of my novel "Our Fathers' Ashes. After Jakob's incident at school, the school board dictates that he is required to attend sessions to work on his "issues." He finds himself in the office of a new psychiatrist.
This is a section of chapter 13 of my novel "Our Fathers' Ashes. After Jakob's incident at school, the school board dictates that he is required to attend sessions to work on his "issues." He finds himself in the office of a new psychiatrist.
Type: Story
Cody is laid to rest
Cody is laid to rest
Type: Story
Jakob, while waiting to see his psychiatrist, reminices about his school friendship with Cody, a troubled girl.
Jakob, while waiting to see his psychiatrist, reminices about his school friendship with Cody, a troubled girl.
Type: Story
A continuation of chapter 13. Jakob visits Cody in the hospital.
A continuation of chapter 13. Jakob visits Cody in the hospital.
Type: Story
Jakob attends Cody's funeral
Jakob attends Cody's funeral
Type: Story
Jakob Okker, his wife Sarah and youngest daughter Anna are forced into hiding by the increasing threats by Nazi occupied Amsterdam. They find shelter in their friend’s hotel. They are captured by Gestapo agents thanks to the betrayal by an employee of Jakob’s diamond factory. Anna’s parents and the hotel owners are taken away. Anna is viciously gang raped by Dutch police officers.
Jakob Okker, his wife Sarah and youngest daughter Anna are forced into hiding by the increasing threats by Nazi occupied Amsterdam. They find shelter in their friend’s hotel. They are captured by Gestapo agents thanks to the betrayal by an employee of Jakob’s diamond factory. Anna’s parents and the hotel owners are taken away. Anna is viciously gang raped by Dutch police officers.
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