Louise Penny, the world-renowned Canadian murder mystery writer, canceled her latest book tour and cited President Donald Trump's repeated threats to trade wars against Canada and annexation.
Penny announced the move on social media, calling it a “painful decision” as she made many friends and professional acquaintances in the United States after 20 years of touring there.
“Please understand, this decision is not about punishing Americans. It's about standing shoulder to shoulder with my Canadians.
Penny is the author of the series of beloved chief inspector Gamache police murder mystery novels, which is in her own province of Quebec.
Her latest book is called Black Wolf, It is the 20th TOME in the Gamache Serivecon series, which has sold over 18 million copies worldwide in English and in many other languages.
The books topped the list of bestsellers in Canada, the United States and internationally, as the stories came after the adventures of the head of the homicide department of provincial police officer La Quebec.
This is written by her.
Louise Penny: I can hardly believe I was saying this, but given the ongoing threat of the President of the United States to Canada’s unprovoked trade war, I don’t feel like I can enter the United States.
At least it wasn't until that economic sword could put hundreds of thousands of Canadians (and Americans) into poverty.
Of course, other things the U.S. president is doing to get the U.S. visit. Oh dear. It's so painful to say this.
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I visited friends, personal and professional friends with many Americans. I have such respect for them, affection. For you. But… enough. What is happening is not only a potential economic disaster in Canada and many other countries, but also a moral harm.
With that in mind, I regret to say that until things change, I can’t have face-to-face events in the United States. This means not visiting the United States for the first time in 20 years.
The cancellation of the tour means Penny will not appear at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., a decision planned to launch her new book in front of 2,000 people this fall, the first time the Washington Post reported.
Penny said the party would be a highlight of her career, but she stepped down after Trump fired the entire board and announced herself as chairman last month.
Since then, ticket sales at the Kennedy Center have fallen.
Penny’s decision to cancel her U.S. tour received widespread support from dozens of Americans and Canadians on social media, who praised her integrity and courage.
Instead, with the support of the publisher, Penny said she would release the book in Canada and invite all American fans to the event.
“I decided that I would launch Black Wolf at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and instead at the National Center for the Arts in Ottawa, my country’s capital. She wrote.
Penny wrote that in the days when NAC launched in Ottawa, she will hold other Canadian book releases and promotions before closing the tour at Haskell Free Library and Opera House.
“This extraordinary place was built in 1904 on the border between Quebec and Vermont. Haskell was built by both countries and is a symbol of our strong bond of friendship,” Penny said.
“This is a physical reflection we believe in. What happens politically is one thing and is short-lived. What happens in our hearts is indestructible.”
Penny said she hopes Americans can participate in her Canadian books event.
“Welcome you with open arms. As a friend. As a villager of three pine trees. A place where kindness and decent exist,” she wrote.
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