Ron, excuse me for going public with this letter but I think we have an issue that concerns everyone who cares about Cape Breton Island—the legacy of its history and stories.

For nearly 50 years you have been collecting and sharing Cape Breton’s history and stories through Cape Breton’s Magazine and Breton Books. You have kept Cape Breton’s Magazine available online. But what about the future of Breton Books?

By my count and what I see on your website at capebretonbooks.com, you have published over 150 books. New books of history, biography, poetry and short stories. And classic Cape Breton books such as Highland Settler and Lifeline and The Company Store. Books that should stay available and grow in number to promote the culture of this special place and remind those that live here of who they are and where they came from.

For your many years of work, you have received well deserved accolades like Nova Scotia’s Cultural Life Award and the Order of Canada, and just as importantly, the respect of Cape Bretoners for your tireless dedication to their story.

At this point, I have to ask you: Recognizing the value of this work, what have you done to ensure that the accomplishment of Breton Books will be preserved and will continue? I am talking about succession.

Granted that you seem to live your work 24-7—it is more of a lifestyle than a business. But I bet there are people out there who would like to have that lifestyle, learn from you and work to keep Breton Books alive!

There may be a teacher in Toronto who wants to retire and return to Cape Breton. She doesn’t need a big income but she would like to have some meaningful work. Or there may be a doctor who wants to practise in Cape Breton and wants something interesting for her husband to do. Who knows who is out there who wants to make Cape Breton their home and who would welcome the rich lifestyle that the work of Breton Books could provide.

There may be someone who knows the ropes already or someone who wants to learn the ropes—someone who wants to partner with you and eventually take over.

Ron, I am going to publish this open letter in admiration of the achievement of Breton Books and in the hope that it will live forever. I hope everyone out there who agrees that Breton Books should have a future will share this letter and your email address—[email protected]—with their friends who love Cape Breton worldwide. Let's try to find a person who shares your interests and wants to come aboard.

With respect,

your friend and fan,

Chris Bellemore