BOOK LAUNCH: The Man Who Came to Rent

In their new novel, The Man Who Came to Rent, Montreal authors Sean Kropveld and Sam Krymalowski conjure up a supernatural mystery drawn from over 10 years of experience in video stores around the city. 

The two have rented, recommended and discussed videos with people of every conceivable background in the city. They’ve collected tales from countless customers who inspired the characters in their book, including a Stanley Cup-winning member of the Montreal Canadiens, an astronaut, politicians, teachers, rappers, punk rockers, television personalities, journalists, and more. 

Set in 2009 when video stores were under siege by online entertainment, the book takes readers into the lost world of video rental and a neighbourhood shop filled with the lingering smell of buttered popcorn, fierce film debate, extended backgammon matches and countless thousands of dollars of late fees. 

The authors worked at locations in predominantly English speaking Westmount and largely francophone/allophone Rosemont giving them a unique view into our city’s many cultures, each with their unique, peculiar, and very entertaining renting habits. 

The Man Who Came to Rent is a gripping, hilarious Montreal thriller that explores the video dreams of all who inhabit our city.

Date and Time

Saturday, Jun 18 , 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Location