Writing Jewish Novels: An Author Talk With Tova Mirvis and Elizabeth Graver

Join Hummingbird Books and Hadassah to learn about writing Jewish novels from "We Would Never" author Tova Mirvis and "Kantika" author Elizabeth Graver. This event will include an interview, audience Q+A, and book signing.

Tickets:

$32 - Includes a copy of "We Would Never"

$18 - Admission Only

About We Would Never:

A riveting literary page-turner that explores the extremes to which a family will go to protect their own—for fans of Miranda Cowley Heller and Laura Dave.
No one is more surprised than Hailey Gelman when she comes under suspicion for the M**der of her soon-to-be ex-husband Jonah. Hailey—nicknamed Sunshine by her mother for her bright outlook and ever-present smile—is the peacemaker who has always tried to do what her family expects of her.
The months leading up to Jonah’s death have been fraught, including a bitter separation and a messy custody battle over their young daughter, Maya. When Hailey files a motion to relocate to Florida so she can be near her family, the divorce begins to escalate, drawing in all the members of Hailey’s family, who are determined to help her however they can.
Most invested is Sherry, Hailey’s mother who wants nothing more than to be close to her family. Then there’s Nate, Hailey’s devoted and protective older brother, as well as the patriarch, Solomon, who is keeping a secret of his own that threatens the stability and security Sherry has worked so hard to maintain. As the divorce spirals dangerously out of control, they are all forced to consider just how far they will go for each other.
Part gripping mystery, part compassionate family drama, We Would Never explores what people are capable of when they feel cornered, and how, in the absence of forgiveness, love and hate can intertwine and turn deadly.

About Kantika:

A dazzling Sephardic multigenerational saga that moves from Istanbul to Barcelona, Havana, and New York, exploring displacement, endurance, and family as home.
A kaleidoscopic portrait of one family’s displacement across four countries, Kantika—“song” in Ladino—follows the joys and losses of Rebecca Cohen, feisty daughter of the Sephardic elite of early 20th-century Istanbul. When the Cohens lose their wealth and are forced to move to Barcelona and start anew, Rebecca fashions a life and self from what comes her way—a failed marriage, the need to earn a living, but also passion, pleasure and motherhood. Moving from Spain to Cuba to New York for an arranged second marriage, she faces her greatest challenge—her disabled stepdaughter, Luna, whose feistiness equals her own and whose challenges pit new family against old.
Exploring identity, place and exile, Kantika also reveals how the female body—in work, art and love—serves as a site of both suffering and joy. A haunting, inspiring meditation on the tenacity of women, this lush, lyrical novel from Elizabeth Graver celebrates the insistence on seizing beauty and grabbing hold of one’s one and only life.

About Hummingbird Books:

An independent, local female-owned and operated store, Hummingbird Books is a community destination for an extensive collection of adult and children’s books and showcases a mix of local and widely beloved authors. Hummingbird Books is a magical place where children discover a love of reading. At Hummingbird Books, we believe reading connects us to others as we search for ideas, wisdom, and sometimes just provides a much-needed break from reality. In addition to its book selection, Hummingbird Books offers a variety of games, gift items, candy, and stationery, as well as in-store programming including story times, and book signings.

About Hadassah Boston:

Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., was founded over a century ago, before Israel was a state, and before women could vote. Since that time, the organization has remained unwavering in its commitment to women’s health and well-being, to Israel, and to Jewish values and continuity. But while Hadassah’s heritage and mission remain as strong as ever, the role of women and Jewish culture here and in Israel, has evolved over time. The organization, too, has evolved, taking on new challenges and developing new programs.

Hadassah believes in building a world where our Jewish values in action create strong community and an enduring Israel. That’s why our entire focus is on connecting and empowering Jewish women to effect change. We’ve done this for over 100 years and we will do it for the next 100—advancing health and well-being, advocating for women, and building community in the US and Israel. We invite all women who share our interests and passions to join in—to put their values into actions with us and through our programs.

Host or Publisher Hummingbird Books