Reviewed by BERNIE BELLAN In 1975, American novelist E. L. Doctorow made waves with “Ragtime,” a novel that interspersed true historical American figures from the first part of the 20th century with fictitious characters. The novel explored the overt racism faced by Blacks in America at that time, along with the antisemitism that was also prevalent.
Now, with a new novel by Mary Glickman, who has specialized in writing historical fiction centering around Jewish characters in the Deep South of the U.S., the themes of anti-Black and antisemitic prejudice in the South reach a traumatic apex, culminating with the lynching of New York-born Leo Frank in Georgia, in 1915.
But – since I don’t like to read too much about what a novel is about before I delve into it, I really didn’t know to what extent the Leo Frank case was going to play a role in this particular book. I prefer to be surprised. Unfortunately, if you’re also of a similar mind, I’m afraid I’ve already let the cat out of the bag.
The story opens, however, not in Atlanta, which is where Leo Frank was framed for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, but in a part of backwoods Georgia known as Heard County, where we meet the two central characters of the book: Young Max Sassaport, the son of the only Jewish couple in his small rural village, and Max’s best friend, an equally young Ruby Johnson, the Black daughter of a sharecropper.
The two children – though from totally dissimilar backgrounds, share a deep bond – which they keep hidden from all around them. Glickman’s lilting prose and her depiction of rural Georgia life reminded me of another wonderful novel, also set in the Deep South: “Where the Crawdads Sing.”
Of course, a relationship between a Black girl and a White boy (and a Jew no less) is bound to come asunder – and even as youngsters, Ruby and Max are aware that they are fated to be split apart. Yet, with the introduction of a fascinating character known as Mayhayley Lancaster, who is described as a “witch,” but who later turns out to be a real person who actually played somewhat of a role in the Leo Frank trial, the children’s fate is foretold. (Again, I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but Mayhayley Lancaster’s transformation later in the novel turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the book.)
As the first part of the story develops – and it becomes apparent that Ruby and Max are destined to take different roads in their lives, one of the interesting aspects of the story for Jewish readers will be what life would have been like for the only Jewish family in a small Southern town. The Sassaports operate a general dry goods store – as did many Jews in rural locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, but their connection to Judaism is tenuous at best.
In time, both Max and Ruby make their way to Atlanta, but with Ruby leaving when she is only 12 years old and Max waiting another six years before he ends up in Atlanta, neither one of them holds much hope that they will ever see each other again.
Max, however, meets up with a reporter for the Atlanta Journal known as Harold Ross (who would later go on, in real life, to found The New Yorker). Ross takes Max under his wing as a cub reporter and it’s in Max’s capacity as a reporter that he finds himself enmeshed in the Leo Frank trial.
As a press release for the novel explains: “1913. The year heart-sick Max travels to Atlanta to find Ruby, his lost love and childhood friend. And the year New York Jew, Leo Frank, is charged with the murder of a child laborer at the National Pencil Factory. Max is Jewish and Ruby’s Black. Their reunion takes place just as Frank is arrested, a racially charged event that sparks an explosion of antisemitism across the city of Atlanta.”
Although I had somewhat of a recollection of reading about the Leo Frank trial, reading about the events surrounding that trial and its aftermath comes as somewhat of a shock. Leo Frank was framed for the murder of a 13-year-old White girl but the degree to which the police and the prosecutor were determined to pursue a totally made-up case against an innocent Jewish businessman is still jarring to read. As well, when one contemplates how comfortable Donald Trump is with telling one lie after another to suit his agenda, it becomes much easier to understand how so many White authority figures in “Ain’t No Grave” were willing to engage in a total frame-up so as to enrage their White base. The role that many newspapers at the time played in stoking antisemitism also provides a salutary experience in how easy it has always been to dupe a huge proportion of the American public though fictitious media reporting. In 1915 it was through newspapers; today, it’s through the internet.
As the book’s press release notes the parallels between what was happening in the early years of the 20th century and what we are seeing playing out around the world today, “With global antisemitism on the rise, “Ain’t No Grave” draws attention to the fact that garden variety antisemitism can be stoked by bad actors and quickly explode into violence. Sometimes, the media play a role.”
The Jewish community of Atlanta in 1915 was so terrified by what was happening to Leo Frank that events at the time led to the creation of B’nai Brith’s Anti-Defamation League.
The juxtaposition of vicious antisemitism and anti-Black hatred in the Deep South with a love story between a White Jew and a Black woman makes for a compelling read. As a member of the Southeast ADL by the name of Sandra Brett noted after reading “Ain’t No Grave,” “Mary Glickman vividly captures milestones in the Leo Frank saga through sympathetic characters as real as the events surrounding them. She deftly intertwines Leo Frank’s trial and lynching with the founding of the ADL, the rebirth of a moribund KKK, and an interracial love story. Meticulously researched, fast-paced, and thoroughly original, Ain’t No Grave is a moving, satisfying read.”
And, as Pat Conroy, author of another best selling novel set in the Deep South – “Prince of Tides”, wrote about Mary Glickman: “Mary Glickman is a wonder.”

“Ain’t No Grave“
By Mary Glickman
280 Pages,
Publication Date: July 2024
Open Road Integrated Media, Inc.


(NC) Have you heard about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)? It’s a federal government program that helps reduce the cost of dental care for Canadian residents with a family income under $90,000 who do not have access to dental insurance.

Here are four things you should know about the plan.

What does it cover?
The plan helps cover a wide range of oral health services for eligible Canadians, such as examinations, teeth cleaning, X-rays, fillings, dentures, root canals and oral surgeries. Some services may only be available as of November 2024 and will require prior approval on the recommendation of an oral health provider.

When can I apply?
The application process began in stages, starting with seniors. As of June 27, 2024, two more groups can sign up for the plan: children under the age of 18 and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate.

When will other adults be able to apply?
All other eligible Canadian residents will be able to apply in 2025. Once fully rolled out, the plan aims to help reduce the cost of dental care for up to 9 million Canadians.

Does it fully cover all dental expenses?
The CDCP will reimburse a portion of the cost, based on established plan fees and your annual family income. There are three tiers of coverage that are based on household income.

• If you have a family income lower than $70,000, 100 per cent of the plan’s established fee for eligible services will be covered;
• If your family income is between $70,000 and $79,999, 60 per cent of the plan’s established fee for eligible services will be covered;
• If your family income is between $80,000 and $89,999, 40 per cent of the plan’s established fee for eligible services will be covered.

The plan may not cover the full cost of your treatment, even if you have a family income lower than $70,000. You may have to pay a portion of the cost if the plan’s established fees are lower than what your provider normally charges. Additionally, you may agree to receive treatment that is not covered by the plan.

Before receiving oral health-care, you should always confirm that your provider is accepting CDCP members, that they will bill Sun Life for direct payment and ask about any costs that won’t be covered by the plan.

Learn more about the plan at canada.ca/dental.

Canada’s online gambling landscape is a complex and evolving field, shaped by federal and provincial regulations. The Canadian Criminal Code, provincial laws, and international influences create a unique legal environment for online gambling.

This article delves into the intricacies of these regulations, highlighting how provinces like Ontario and Alberta manage online gambling, the impact of iGaming, and the legal status of offshore operators.

It also addresses practical aspects for Canadian gamblers, such as financial transactions, tax implications, and safety measures. Understanding these legal nuances helps ensure a secure and compliant online gambling experience for Canadian players.

Canada’s legal framework for online gambling has seen significant evolution, with recent legislation specifically aimed at enhancing player protection and providing a more regulated market.

Now, provinces have the authority to license and oversee online casinos, ensuring these platforms operate with transparency and fairness. For instance, the regulations governing Ontario online casinos mandate strict adherence to these comprehensive laws, which guarantees a reliable, secure, and legally compliant gaming experience for players throughout the province.

The Canadian Criminal Code and Online Gambling

The Canadian Criminal Code significantly influences online gambling regulation in Canada. While it does not explicitly prohibit online gambling, it bans gambling at establishments not owned or licensed by a provincial government. Additionally, the Code prohibits Canadian companies from offering online gambling to Canadians. However, this restriction does not extend to overseas companies, creating a legal grey area for online gambling.

Canada’s approach to online gambling is complex and decentralized, with provinces holding the authority to regulate gambling within their territories. Unlike South Africa, where national laws uniformly govern online gambling, Canada allows each province to license and regulate its gambling industry.

The Criminal Code provides an overarching framework, while provinces manage specific regulations. Canadian players can legally access offshore online casinos licensed by jurisdictions like Malta, Gibraltar, or the UK, contrasting South Africa’s National Gambling Act of 2004, which prohibits such activities.

Modern Laws Affecting Online Gambling in Canada

The legality of offshore operators taking bets from Canada remains complex and ambiguous. While no specific laws prohibit Canadian players from using international sites, the Canadian Criminal Code allows certain forms of gambling conducted and managed by provinces or licensed charitable organizations.

Consequently, while Canadian players can access overseas online casinos without breaking Canadian laws, the legal status of offshore operators accepting bets from Canadians remains uncertain.

In Canada, each province has its regulations for online gambling. For example, Alberta permits legal online gambling through Play Alberta, a government-regulated site. In British Columbia, provincial authorities regulate gambling and commercial gaming, with a legal gambling age of 19. In Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, gambling regulations permit individuals aged 19 and above to gamble legally. In Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, gambling policies cater to residents with varying minimum gambling ages.

Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories also regulate gambling through their respective authorities, allowing residents to access internationally regulated sites without legal consequences.

iGaming and Online Casinos in Canada

Ontario’s iGaming market is a well-regulated industry overseen by iGaming Ontario (iGO), a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Operators must have their games and systems certified by an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) to ensure quality and fairness.

Additionally, operators must register with the AGCO and secure a Letter of Agreement with iGO. Advertising iGaming in Ontario is legal but must comply with AGCO’s strict standards.

The iGaming industry significantly impacts Canadian players, supporting over 12,000 full-time jobs and contributing over $900 million in labor income. Popular online casinos for Canadian players include JackpotCity Casino, PokerStars Casino, Leo Vegas Casino, 888casino, and Royal Vegas Casino. These platforms offer a wide range of games, payment options, and promotions, catering to Canadian players’ preferences.

For online casino operators in Ontario, participating in the iGaming market involves registering with the AGCO and obtaining a Letter of Agreement with iGO. Operators are subjected to registration fees, which vary based on the type and scope of gambling services offered. This process ensures that only reputable and compliant operators participate in the market, maintaining high standards of operation.

Practical Information for Canadian Gamblers

Canadian gamblers engage in various activities, from casinos to horse racing and lotteries. In Canada, gambling winnings are generally tax-free, but interest on winnings is taxable. Professional gamblers, however, are taxed on their winnings as business income, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between casual and professional gamblers when considering tax implications.

Canadian players can typically access international online casinos without legal repercussions. The legality of online gambling in Canada remains a grey area, with federal laws not explicitly prohibiting residents from participating in international gambling sites. As long as players are aware of potential tax implications if they generate income from their winnings, they can enjoy their favorite online gambling activities.

For online gambling in Canada, financial transactions should be secure and convenient. Common payment methods include credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Players should choose payment methods that best suit their needs. Gambling winnings are not taxed in Canada, but income generated from those winnings, such as interest, is taxable. Players should be mindful of these potential tax implications.

Many online casinos cater to Canadian players by allowing transactions in Canadian dollars (CAD). This convenience eliminates currency conversion fees, making it easier for players to deposit and withdraw funds. While not all international casinos support CAD transactions, players should prioritize those that do for a smoother gambling experience.

Safety and Fairness in Online Gambling

Fund security is a top priority for online gambling operators and regulatory bodies. Online casinos must use advanced encryption software to protect players’ personal and financial data. Additionally, provincial regulatory bodies oversee operations to ensure strict adherence to standards, further bolstering security in the Canadian online gambling landscape.

The fairness of casino games in Canada is ensured through licensing, regulation, and independent audits. Online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to guarantee impartial outcomes.

Reputable regulatory bodies, such as the AGCO, oversee casino operations to uphold integrity. Players with concerns can submit complaints to relevant regulatory authorities, ensuring their rights are protected and the overall fairness of the industry is maintained.

Responsible gaming resources in Canada promote healthy gambling habits and address potential issues. Online gambling providers offer self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and other features to help players maintain control over their activities.

Support networks, such as helplines and counseling services, are available for those in need. This comprehensive approach ensures a supportive and regulated environment for legal online gambling in Canada.

Canada‘s online gambling landscape continues to evolve, providing a regulated and secure environment for players. By understanding the legal nuances and regulations, Canadian gamblers can safely and legally enjoy their favorite online gambling activities.