On Historical Fiction: Louis Bayard in conversation with Nina Barrett

In the words of the , bestselling author Louis Bayard “reinvigorates historical fiction,” rendering the past “as if he’d witnessed it firsthand.” His upcoming book The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts joins his oeuvre of acclaimed novels-- The Pale Blue Eye, Jackie & Me, Courting Mr. Lincoln, and others-- with his signature wit and flair. Louis Bayard will discuss this vivid and poignant story of secrets, loss, and love and contextualize it within the framework of creating historical fiction.

The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts takes readers from the Italian countryside, where Constance Wilde flees from the aftermath of Oscar’s imprisonment for homosexuality, to the trenches of World War I and an underground bar in London’s Soho, where Oscar’s sons Cyril and Vyvyan must both grapple with their father’s legacy. With Louis Bayard’s trademark sparkling dialogue and deep insight into the lives and longings of all his characters, The Wildes could almost have been created by Oscar Wilde himself. Lightly told but with hidden depths, it is an entertaining and dramatic story about the human condition.

Store owner Nina Barrett, also an author and a great appreciator of historical books, will interview Louis Bayard on his latest book, his writing process, and how he provides voice and form to real characters who were skipped over or forgotten. This Bookends University event is open to the general public, and we encourage authors at any stage of their writing process to attend and be inspired!

The event will take place from 6:00-7:00 PM at the MiniBar, and will be followed by a signing. Doors will open at 5:00 PM for this event.

Host or Publisher Bookends & Beginnings