A Romance of Toronto (Founded on Fact): A Novel

Set against the bustling backdrop of late‑19th‑century Toronto, the novel opens with a lyrical portrait of the city as a nurturing matron whose “children” – the neighbourhoods of Parkdale, Rosedale and Scarborough – thrive beneath her watchful care. Two storylines unfold: one recounted by a travelling actor, the other observed directly by the author, each offering a vivid glimpse of the lives and aspirations that animate the young metropolis.

Within this lively tableau, two longtime friends, Mr. Dale and Buckingham, wander the decks of the steamer Chicora, debating love, marriage and the pull of ambition. Their conversation drifts from the comforts of domestic life to speculative mineral ventures, while the graceful Mrs. Dale, with her Irish eyes and lively spirit, reads a heartfelt description of Toronto that frames the city’s charm. As friendships deepen and romantic possibilities surface, the narrative captures the hopeful pulse of a city on the cusp of growth, inviting listeners to share in its early‑stage dreams and dilemmas.