What was your goal while writing this book?
My original goal was to reveal the stories of people Canada welcomes into our country to work but who we don’t welcome to stay. Early on in the research, however, I realized that the book had as much to say about who we are as a nation. The portrait isn’t flattering.
Was there a book or piece of writing that made you want to pursue writing as a career? What was it?
I remember reading Lewis Thomas’ science essays when I was in high school. They taught me that you could make something personal and beautiful out of something totally nerdy. This was a revelation.
Why is writing about Canada/Canadians important to you?
If Canadians want to live up our self-image as a welcoming and benevolent nation, we must acknowledge when and how we fail to do so.