Sharon Kirsch

Sharon Kirsch is the author of two works of creative nonfiction: The Smallest Objective, an award-winning memoir and family history, and What Species of Creatures, a playful exploration of human-animal relationships inspired by historical writings about unfamiliar birds and “beasts.” Her shorter-form fiction and nonfiction have appeared in a range of North American literary magazines and newspapers. A former Commonwealth Scholar, Sharon holds a graduate degree from the UK in Middle English Literature. Originally from Montreal, she has lived in the US and the UK. Currently, she writes and edits from Toronto, where she shares a home with her husband and two cats. You can visit Sharon at her website and blog: https://www.sharonkirsch.com

In Canadian Jewish Record, Janice Arnold called The Smallest Objective, “a very personal memoir set in the Jewish Montreal of the 20th century, fascinating for its frank examination of mothers and daughters, revelation of family secrets, and showing how the past is always somehow present.” The Jury for the Vine Awards praised the memoir for its “microscopic attention to detail that matches the theme of objects put under scrutiny to divine secrets. This writing has a way of hinting at the ineffable and drawing synaptic connections that reveal a real playfulness and love of words.”

Sharon’s previous book, What Species of Creatures, was said to be “tightly argued and beautifully written” (author Brian Fawcett), “remarkable and unsettling” (The Beaver Magazine), “revealing and often humorous” (Anthropozoologica magazine). A recommended title from Canada’s National History Society, it is available as a paperback.