For many women, fathers are a puzzling and haunting mystery that puzzles. They are “the other,” neither lover nor son, defined more often by silence than words, by emotional absence than physical presence—until now.

In twenty-two original narratives, some of Canada’s best known writers share stories, memories, insights, and revelations—from the comic to the tragic, and every shading in between—about the first man in their lives. Complex, compelling, unforgettable, these stories will open a fresh and intense conversation with daughters everywhere about the men they’ve observed since childhood: their fathers.

Contributors:
Katherine Ashenburg, Anita Rau Badami, Christie Blatchford, Mary Anne Brinckman, Nancy Dorrance, Jane Finlay-Young, Camilla Gibb, Catherine Gildiner, Rebecca Godfrey, Rachel Manley, Sandra Martin, Lisa Moore, Sarah Murdoch, Marina Nemat, P.K. Page, Emma Richler, Eden Robinson, Rebecca Snow, Tina Srebotnjak, Susan Swan, Emily Urquhart, and Pamela Wallin

Click here to hear a CBC audio clip with Sandra Martin and contributors Anita Rau Badami and Katherine Ashenburg

"This is a book for fathers of daughters. Stunning, revealing, heart-warming, chilling, and moving, each story packs the unique power that is found only in family. Read it and learn. And then go hug your daughters."
-Roy MacGregor, author of The Home Team

"Impressively thoughtful and  thought-provoking glimpses into the many different kinds of relationships shared between daughters and fathers. . . a gift."
-Edmonton Journal

"[The First Man in My Life offers] revelatory moments from a diverse set of women. . . ranges from the tragic to the comic with strong contributions from Eden Robinson, Lisa Moore, Catherine Gildner, Emily Urquhart, Christie Blatchford, Sarah Murdoch, Susan Swan, P.K. Page and Rachel Manley."
-The Globe and Mail

"...the reader is rewarded with a rich trove of essays that are striking for their focus, frankness, and economy. In fact, the writing is so consistently good that it’s hard to single any of it out for special praise...This is a timely book for a society in the process of reassessing the role of a father."
-The Quill & Quire (starred review)

"....powerful and well wrought remembrances that strike a balance between relatable truths and good storytelling."
-The Ottawa Citizen

"The entire collection is honest and engaging. Rather than gushing about fairytale fathers, these authors explore the profound effect a father's actions ---good or bad--can have on their daughter. . . These women's poignant tales will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride and open your heart to the significant role father play in their daughter's lives."
-Scene Magazine

"...a rich and evocative collection...What makes this book remarkable is the courage with which these women are dealing with that space in their lives."
-The Women's Post