Literary Legends on Writing Fiction Inspired by Personal Narratives

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Saturday, November 16

Central Presbyterian Church (CPC) (200 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701)

Join literary legends Claire Messud and Jane Smiley as they discuss their latest novels. Messud’s This Strange and Eventful History follows members of the French Algerian Cassare family over seven decades, from displacement during World War II to a granddaughter’s desire to tell their stories in 2010 and the complexities of family dynamics along the way. Smiley’s Lucky is the first-person coming-of-age story of folksinger Jodie Rattler, who has experienced good fortune since age six but longs for something just out of reach. Join the authors to learn how they drew from their real-life experiences and family histories to create sweeping stories and characters with rich interior lives.

Jane Smiley will no longer be able to attend this session

FESTIVAL FRIENDS SESSION

Book: This Strange Eventful History
Book Type: Fiction
Author: Claire Messud
Moderator: Laurie Muchnick
Book Signing: 3:45 PM at Main Signing Tent

Adult