In case you missed it, last Sunday’s NY Times book review cover article was a glowing review of Kate Walbert’s new book, A Short History of Women. Just out last week and already generating a lengthy wait list at the library, this one is sure to be a favorite with book clubs this summer and well into the fall. Ms. Walbert was a National Book Award finalist in 2004 for Our Kind, and the winner of the Connecticut Book Award in 2002 for The Gardens of Kyoto. In addition to her novels, Ms. Walbert is a playwright and a writing teacher at Yale. I am so excited that Kate Walbert will be here at the Westport Library on September 30th at noon to speak about her new book. This will be a discussion not to miss.
A Short History of Women follows the ‘history’ of women as seen through the story of the Townsend family. It begins in England in 1914 as Dorothy Townsend, a suffragette, dies as a result of a hunger strike for women’s rights. The story then follows five generations of Dorothy’s ancestors, both in Europe and in the United States, as they struggle with turbulent times and complicated lives. By following the conflicted Townsend family through the 20th century, Walbert has given us a very personal view of history and the way the lives of our ancestors continue to influence us.
Ms. Walbert’s book is beautifully written, intelligent, and sure to be a hit with book clubs. In anticipation of her visit, the library has ordered a number of copies of A Short History of Women so that you can come to her talk prepared to have a real dialogue with the author. Her publisher has also provided an excellent discussion guide and interview with Ms. Walbert. Also, be sure to listen to the podcast with the author in the NY Times review. Mark your calendar now and make arrangements to be at the library on September 30th. You won’t be disappointed.
