September 8

The Years with Laura Diaz

by Carlos Fuentes

In a masterwork imbued with historical anecdotes, Fuentes relates the story of 20th-century Mexico through the fictional biography of Laura Diaz.  Laura grows from an unusually observant child into an attractive and passionate young woman.  She survives numerous revolutions and world wars, several lovers and one husband.  The catalyst that keeps this chronicle engaging is Laura's desire to steer the course of her life above and beyond the political currents surging through Mexican society.  Fuentes' emotional commitment to his subject shows in the underlying intellectual dialogues that should make this volume one of his most admired and memorable.

October 13

In the Fall

by Jeffrey Lent

In The Fall is an extraordinary epic of three generations of an American family, the dark secrets that blister at its core and the transcendent bonds between men and women that fuel their lives over the course of six decades.  Spanning the post-Civil War era to the edge of the depression, this novel is a richly layered rendering of a rapidly evolving America, from life on the farm to the advent of modern times.

November 10

Harriet and Isabella

by Patricia O’Brien

It is 1887, and Henry Ward Beecher lies dying. Reporters gather from around the world, eager for one last story about the most lurid scandal of their time. When Henry Ward Beecher was put on trial for adultery in 1875, the question of his guilt or innocence was ferociously debated.  His trial not only split the country, it split apart his family, causing a particularly bitter rift between his sisters, Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Isabella Beecher Hooker, an ardent suffragist.  Harriet remained loyal to Henry, while Isabella called publicly for him to admit his guilt.  What had been a loving, close relationship between two sisters plummeted into bitter blame and hurt.

December 8

Bridge of Sighs

by Richard Russo

(Dr. Mark Schenker will lead the discussion)

Bridge of Sighs finds Louis C. ("Lucy") Lynch and, Sarah, his wife of forty years planning the trip of a lifetime to Venice.  As a teenager, Lucy was best friends with Bobby, although they were opposites in personality.  Lucy played it safe and chose family over adventure while Bobby took chances and wanted an exciting life.  Sarah was attracted to both, and when she chose Lucy, Bobby set out for a new life, becoming a famous painter living in Venice.