After fifty years together, Gertrude and Mildred are facing some serious life changes. The bridal shop they own, A Rose on Corydon, has been a meeting place for their small community of friends and customers, with whom they have long shared joys and sorrows, worries, and triumphs. Unexpectedly, a series of events threatens the foundation of the life they have made together and tests their relationship in new ways. Mildred’s 73-year-old hip is no match for an icy sidewalk, and long-time friend Wordie stares cancer in the face. Thirteen-year-old Arlie, aged beyond her tender years by the same illness, is a stalwart support, as is the thrice-married Perfume, on her way down a fourth aisle to eternal happiness—, holding, perhaps, the key that makes the changes more bearable. This poetic and graceful novel explores the secrets and promises sustained by a love affair whose dimensions render speechless the most experienced of lovers. Educator, activist, editor, and writer Deborah Schnitzer is the author of the novel Gertrude Unmanageable and the long poem Loving Gertrude Stein, as well as scholarly works and critical anthologies equally devoted to the unexpected.

Educator, activist, editor, and writer, Deborah Schnitzer is the author of the novel, Gertrude Unmanageable, the long poem, Loving Gertrude Stein, as well as scholarly works and critical anthologies equally devoted to the unexpected. Her latest book, An Unexpected Break in the Weather, won the 2010 Margaret Laurence Award for Fiction. Schnitzer is a 3M Teaching Fellow in the English Department at the University of Winnipeg.

Deborah Schnitzer's profile page

• Winner, Margaret Laurence Award for Fiction

Educator, activist, editor, writer, or as she describes herself, “just a human in the galaxy,” the beautiful and elegant Deborah Schnitzer has yet again published another gem to add to her collection. With nine books already under her belt, Schnitzer shares the touching story of Mildred and Gertrude, two soulmates facing life changes among their friends in An Unexpected Break in the Weather. This is Schnitzer’s second novel, which she describes as different, odd and rare. She has previously published academic texts, collections, poetry, etc., and is working on short experimental films.

A professor at the University of Winnipeg for more than 20 years, Schnitzer is always looking for new opportunities for creative collaborations. An Unexpected Break in the Weather was created following a drive along Corydon Avenue, when Schnitzer passed by a bridal boutique that became the model for one owned by her characters Gertrude and Mildred, which they name “A Rose.”

She then imagined an older woman tumbling and falling to the ground, with another woman right behind her. She thought about what it would be like to own a little shop like that at that age. With this picture carved in her mind, Schnitzer followed her lead and created a story about a close group of friends that care deeply about each other. Every name and each event came to mind so naturally, Schnitzer says. “It takes a lot of courage to live well,” she explains. Her intent was to demonstrate how it is possible to live well and do so in harmony with one another. Mildred and Gertrude have a powerful relationship; the care and love between them, even after 50 years, is enough to make any couple envious. The electricity and chemistry they share only grows with age. They, as well as their friends, are faced with unexpected life challenges, which test their friendships in many ways. Even through hard times, the group stays loyal and true to each other, always being supportive of one another. Faced with the decision of closing the shop for good, Gertrude and Mildred have decided to end their business’ life with a grand celebration. Although, with all that is going on amongst them and their friends, will it be with a final grand wedding or a tragic funeral? An Unexpected Break in the Weather is written in such a graceful manner. The details are so realistic that you may find yourself empathizing with the characters. Throughout the novel, you will connect with the characters and at least one of them will remind you of someone you know. The lyrical and inventive language used is easy to comprehend and captivating. For anyone who has the pleasure of meeting Schnitzer, you will find her personality reflected in the caring and nurturing personalities of the characters in her novel. She definitely has the courage to live well in today’s society.

Schnitzer\'s 2nd Novel Charms