Last Dance in Shediac: Memories of Mum, Molly Lamb Bobak is an intimate memoir that traces the final years of celebrated Canadian artist Molly Lamb Bobak through the eyes of her daughter. Known as the first woman to travel overseas as an official Canadian war artist, Molly is revealed here not only as a public figure, but as a mother, friend, and companion.
The author recalls road trips, cross-country visits, and the everyday chaos of farm life, complete with five exuberant dogs greeting Molly’s car. These scenes are woven together with small jokes, shared rituals, and private memories that show how their relationship grew beyond the traditional mother-daughter bond into a deep, sustaining friendship.
As Molly grows older and frailer, the story moves gently into reflections on aging, long-term care, and the quiet, complex work of saying goodbye. The contrasts between Molly’s rich artistic life and the institutional routines of her later years are portrayed with honesty, humour, and compassion.
This memoir will appeal to readers interested in Canadian art and cultural history, as well as anyone navigating the emotional terrain of caring for an aging parent and preserving family stories.
- Portrait of Molly Lamb Bobak’s private life beyond her public legacy
- Evocative scenes of family, friendship, and everyday intimacy
- Thoughtful reflections on aging, caregiving, and loss
