Pens Across the Pond: Kate Chopin and the Irish Within

The Garden District Book Shop is thrilled to announce that authors Rory O’Neill Schmitt, PhD and Rosary O’Neill, PhD are returning to the shop on January 29 in celebration of Saint Brigid's Day and to present Pens Across the Pond: Kate Chopin and the Irish Within. 

In Ireland, February 1st marks the beginning of spring and the celebration of St. Brigid’s Day. St. Brigid is one of Ireland’s three patron saints, and St. Brigid’s Day has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marked the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.  

The evening will begin at 6:00 PM. The mother-daughter writer duo will be joined by Consul General of Ireland, Robert Hull. They will present Pens Across the Pond: Kate Chopin and the Irish Within and then open up the floor for a Q&A. 

Rory O'Neill Schmitt, PhD and Rosary O'Neill, PhD are the co-authors of Kate Chopin in New Orleans. Kate Chopin was the daughter of an Irishman, who immigrated to the United States and became a beloved philanthropist in St. Louis, Missouri. Kate learned from her father’s generous spirit and grit. The tragedy of his death was a turning point in her life.  Kate became a revolutionary author. She lived in the New Orleans Garden District for over a decade.  She fell in love with Louisiana and set most of her stories here, including her groundbreaking novel, The Awakening, which recently celebrated its 125th year anniversary.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event. Interested parties are encouraged to reserve their copy ahead of time on Eventbrite.  

Host or Publisher Garden District Book Shop