Author Helene Wecker to discuss ‘Hidden Palace’ June 15
The Lewes Public Library and Browseabout Books will welcome author Helene Wecker for an online discussion of “The Hidden Palace,” the long-awaited follow-up to her 2013 bestselling novel “The Golem and the Jinni.”
The online event will take place at 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 15.
Set in New York City and the Middle East in the years leading up to World War I, the story follows beloved characters Chava and Ahmad as they confront unexpected new challenges in a rapidly changing human world. Chava is a golem, a woman made of clay, who can hear the thoughts and longings of those around her and feels compelled to help. Ahmad is a jinni, a restless creature of fire, once free to roam the desert but now imprisoned in the shape of a man.
Hiding their true selves in order to pass as human, the pair is brought together under calamitous circumstances and must decide exactly what they mean to each other. Can they find their places together in the human world? Or will their opposing natures and desires eventually tear them apart, especially once they encounter other beings like themselves?
Helene Wecker will be in conversation with playwright, screenwriter and science fiction writer Monica Byrne, author of “The Girl in the Road.”
Registration is required for the Zoom-based event. To sign up, go to lewes.lib.de.us and visit the Virtual Programs for Adults page.
Participants also are encouraged to support the author by purchasing a copy of the book from local independent bookstore Browseabout Books. Each copy purchased comes with an archival bookplate signed by the author. Orders may be placed online at browseaboutbooks.com, by calling the store at 302-226-2665, or in person at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
