Growing up can be both thrilling and treacherous in small-town Newfoundland, where a young person will experience the joys and struggles of life in ways that are unique to isolated, rural communities.

Bruce Stagg grew up in the 1950s and 1960s in Catalina, a rural fishing community on Newfoundland and Labrador’s Bonavista Peninsula—a time and place that inspired this collection of short stories.

Stagg effortlessly captures the spirit of post-Confederation Newfoundland. Life was arduous, but also romantic; families were optimistic, but struggled to put food on the table. These are stories of a childhood spent on the wharf, by the seaside, and in detention. Of larger-than-life personalities in a small but vibrant town. Of deep grudges and lifelong friendships.

With rich detail and remarkable characters, The Old Man Is Me is a delightful and insightful step back in time.

Bruce Stagg is the author of three books of fictional short stories, one children’s book, one book of plays, and many individual plays. He is known as a storyteller/entertainer and has released a storytelling CD. His one other book of non-fiction, The Blackwood Schooner, is a Canadian Bestseller that was published in 2009 by Flanker Press and was very well received by readers.Bruce was born and grew up in Catalina, Trinity Bay. He graduated from Memorial University in 1974 and taught in Newfoundland schools for thirty years. He currently resides in Hillview, Trinity Bay, with his wife, Dale, where he dedicates much of his time to writing.

Bruce Stagg's profile page