literary journal, vol 4, no 1, $9, spring 2002, Steven Laird, Ingrid Ruthig, Gwynn Scheltema, Ruth E. Walker (Editorial Board),, 234-701 Rossland Road East, Whitby, ON, Canada LIN 9K3, [email protected], www.lichenjournal. ca
Whether you pronounce it like-en” or “litch-en,” this literary magazine lives up to its mandate to “take a cue from their publication’s botanical namesake…and publish the many creative artists whose diverse work springs from the bedrock of this community.” A professionally produced, black and white magazine, Lichen is the perfect size (5 x 8) to carry with you and delve into for an entertaining, educating, and enervating read. Currently published twice-yearly in spring and fall, each volume has a theme, and this one is “fractures.” Interpreted intriguingly by local and international writers, the theme runs through the prose, poetry, reviews, fiction, graphics, and even a short play. Claiming to be global, about 50% of its content comes from Canadians contributors, but work by people from New Zealand, USA, South Africa, and Bulgaria add to the excellent potpourri of this non-profit venture. Future themes include “letters,” in fall 2002, and “motion” in fall 2003. Whether picked up at the bookstore, or because you’re a subscriber, Lichen is definitely worthy of your attention. (Ffion Llwyd-Jones)