The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Two Authors, Two Great Books - A Wednesday Special
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Sep 24, 2025 Brian Stewart, a former CBC foreign correspondent, shares insights from his memoir, "On the Ground," discussing his initial reluctance to write and the moral injuries he faced from war reporting. He highlights the vital role of the production team in impactful storytelling. Halina St. James, a first-time author, uncovers her family's past through her mother's wartime letters in "The Golden Daughter," revealing her childhood suspicions and her transformative journey of research in Germany. Both authors emphasize the power of personal narratives.
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Reluctant Memoir Turns Rewarding
- Brian Stewart resisted writing a memoir for years despite colleagues' encouragement and publisher interest.
- He finally wrote On The Ground after persuasion and found the process rewarding.
Moral Injury From Witnessing Suffering
- Brian Stewart recounts witnessing famine, massacres, and the helplessness that led to moral injury.
- He describes flashbacks and seeking treatment to recover from the emotional toll.
Big Stories Require Big Teams
- Stewart emphasizes the team nature of major foreign coverage and the dependence on producers, cameramen, and headquarters.
- He credits CBC's coordinated response and public engagement for amplifying impact.
