Opera, War, and the Human Spirit: Finding Beauty in Enemy Territory
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Join us for an engaging talk with Cape Cod, award-winning historical fiction author Janis Robinson Daly as she shares her inspiration and research which led to writing her latest novel Under Two Flags. Drawing upon the memoir of eighteen-year-old Josephine Therese Marzynski, a Boston opera student trapped in Berlin during World War I, Daly explores how Josephine's passion for music drives her strength to endure even in humanity’s darkest hours.
About the book:
Based on opera singer Josephine Marzynski’s memoir, With Old Glory in Berlin, UNDER TWO FLAGS exposes a city slowly starving under the weight of war. In October 1916, eighteen-year-old Josephine Therese Marzynski leaves her family and Jewish community in Boston to pursue a dream of studying opera at Berlin’s most prestigious music conservatory. When America enters the Great War in April 1917, Josephine’s world transforms overnight—from welcomed student to enemy of the state. Her survival depends on those who risk their own safety to protect her, while she struggles with divided loyalties between her American identity and the German people who have become family. As Josephine fights to secure passage home, she confronts impossible choices that test everything she believes about loyalty, survival, and the true meaning of patriotism. UNDER TWO FLAGS illuminates with a story of passion and the transformative power of music in humanity's darkest hours.
Early praise highlights Daly’s deft storytelling and emotional depth:
“Daly sensitively explores war, patriotism, and ambition in this well-researched tale.”
— Kate Quinn, bestselling author of The Alice Network
“Daly transforms a little-known firsthand account into a gripping tale of courage and resilience.” — Martha Hall Kelly, bestselling author of Lilac Girls
“The novel documents a fascinating period of history from an intriguing perspective. A rich tale of love, music, and being trapped on the wrong side of a war.” — Kirkus Reviews
Join us for an engaging talk with Cape Cod, award-winning historical fiction author Janis Robinson Daly as she shares her inspiration and research which led to writing her latest novel Under Two Flags. Drawing upon the memoir of eighteen-year-old Josephine Therese Marzynski, a Boston opera student trapped in Berlin during World War I, Daly explores how Josephine's passion for music drives her strength to endure even in humanity’s darkest hours.
About the book:
Based on opera singer Josephine Marzynski’s memoir, With Old Glory in Berlin, UNDER TWO FLAGS exposes a city slowly starving under the weight of war. In October 1916, eighteen-year-old Josephine Therese Marzynski leaves her family and Jewish community in Boston to pursue a dream of studying opera at Berlin’s most prestigious music conservatory. When America enters the Great War in April 1917, Josephine’s world transforms overnight—from welcomed student to enemy of the state. Her survival depends on those who risk their own safety to protect her, while she struggles with divided loyalties between her American identity and the German people who have become family. As Josephine fights to secure passage home, she confronts impossible choices that test everything she believes about loyalty, survival, and the true meaning of patriotism. UNDER TWO FLAGS illuminates with a story of passion and the transformative power of music in humanity's darkest hours.
Early praise highlights Daly’s deft storytelling and emotional depth:
“Daly sensitively explores war, patriotism, and ambition in this well-researched tale.”
— Kate Quinn, bestselling author of The Alice Network
“Daly transforms a little-known firsthand account into a gripping tale of courage and resilience.” — Martha Hall Kelly, bestselling author of Lilac Girls
“The novel documents a fascinating period of history from an intriguing perspective. A rich tale of love, music, and being trapped on the wrong side of a war.” — Kirkus Reviews
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Where is it happening?
14 E Central St, Natick, MA, United States, Massachusetts 01760
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherMorse Institute Library Natick
