A murder, a moose and plenty of romantic drama? Mix it up with some truly unique characters and a page-turning pace?
You’ve got the new, feel-good book by Bowen Island author, Chantal Eustace: Do You Take this Man, Elli Moon? Eustace will be in Burnaby for a signing event this Friday.
As a busy mother-of-two, I don’t have much time for reading and I tend to lean towards non-fiction, but this 346-page book — written by my longtime pal — kept my interest.
Within the first few pages, I’d laughed out loud and, well, I felt hooked!
Here’s my conversation with her — all about her splendid new book, available in select stores and online at Amazon.
What’s your book about?
It’s a story about a woman named Elli Moon, who thinks she’s got her life sorted out. Then, in the 10 days leading up to her wedding, everything kind of comes apart. It’s all told through different character’s perspectives.
What inspired you?
I started with an idea for a funny, wedding-hating character. Then I started writing and I really enjoyed where the character and her friends took me.
I liked the moose.
Yes, there’s a moose in the book, not just on the cover! I love animals and one of the characters, Fergal, has a history with a special moose named Melvin.
Who do you hope will like this book?
Anyone with a sense of humour! Seriously though, I’m inspired by writers like Maria Semple and The Rosie Project’s Graeme Simsion. Popular fiction and humour has always appealed to me. Same with smart, funny characters figuring out life.
How does living on Bowen Island factor in?
My husband and I moved here a few years ago and totally fell in love with this place. It’s a great place to be a writer. An amazing community. Easy to feel inspired here!
What’s next for you?
I hope people like this book! I’m going to be promoting it with readings and events. And I’m already working on ideas for the next one!
HOW TO FIND IT
Do You Take this Man, Elli Moon? by Chantal Eustace is now available at Indigo in Burnaby, as well as on Amazon.ca. Chantal is a former Vancouver Sun reporter, and teaches yoga and wellness on Bowen Island and in Vancouver. This is her first book. For more information on the book, go to chantaleustace.com.
Chantal will be having a book event and signing at Indigo in Metrotown on Friday, April 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. It’s a free event, and everyone is welcome.
- Colette Gunson, contributed
