Unclaimed Baggage launched on September 25 at a wonderful event held at the McAdam Railway Station.
The McAdam Historical Restoration Commission outdid itself with its preparations -- the formal dining room looked beautiful as it hosted more than 100 fans of author Mary O'Keefe, the McAdam Station and the Abigail project.
Mary gave a wonderful talk about her life, her book and her writing process while local dignitaries and McAdam Station volunteers also spoke.
We started with 61 chairs available for guests but we soon had to haul out additional chairs and, even then, people were left standing all around the room. The energy was fantastic and it was hard not to be carried away by the emotion of the day.
Mary dedicated the novel to her sister, who passed away while the book was being written, and in an emotional moment presented the first copy of the novel to her brother-in-law, as family and friends looked on.
And there was even a surprise -- Mary introduced Abigail Massey herself and, as Abigail began her remarks, she was interrupted by her cousin Martha, with whom she has been quarrelling for almost 70 years.
The script for the Abigail/Martha skit was taken from the pages of Unclaimed Baggage itself and proved a hit -- several guests appeared scandalised when Martha leapt to her feet to interrupt Abigail's remarks and so effective were the performances that it took a moment for many people to realise it was simply a skit for their entertainment.
After the official program came to an end and as guests enjoyed the wonderful refreshments provided by the McAdam volunteers, Mary and Abigail creator/author Mark Walma got the chance to meet dozens of guests and sign their copies of the new novel and of many other Abigail books.
It was a huge success and a lot of fun for everyone involved. If you wish to purchase your copy of Unclaimed Baggage (or of any other Abigail books), visit the McAdam Station website to place an order.
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