Sandra Perron

Sandra Perron will be joined by a few notable feminists tonight for the launch of her new memoir, Out Standing in the Field: A Memoir by Canada’s First Female Infantry Officer (Cormorant Books). The book recalls Perron’s time in the military, including the abuse, assault, and misogyny she encountered before retiring as a captain in 1996.

Approximately 140 women are expected to attend tonight’s private event at Toronto’s Ben McNally Books, which is hosted by journalist Sally Armstrong. Cormorant publisher Marc Côté, Canadian Women’s Foundation CEO Bev Wybrow, MP Peggy Nash, and authors Margaret Atwood, Michele Landsberg, and Manisha Krishnan are scheduled to give remarks.

The idea for the evening came from Armstrong – who also endorsed the book – while attending Perron’s official launch at the War Museum in Ottawa on April 6. Côté says Armstrong wanted to ensure Out Standing in the Field would make a difference, and within four days, had developed a guest list of notable women for “a discussion engendered by the book.”