Program Description
Event Details
SECRETS OF THE ITALIAN ISLAND by Barbara Josselsohn...in Conversation with Dara Gruenberg
A Book Launch Event
Join two library lovers for a thoughtful conversation out on the beautiful lawn of the Scarsdale Library, with wine and refreshments for all. Barbara and Dara will discuss Barbara’s new book, Secrets of the Italian Island, as well as trends in historical fiction and other topics geared to those who love books and those who aim to write them!
Barbara Josselsohn is delighted to be releasing Secrets of the Italian Island, her sixth book and first historical novel. Her previous novels include The Lilac House, The Bluebell Girls, The Lily Garden, The Cranberry Inn, and The Last Dreamer. She teaches writing workshops at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, Westport Writers Workshop, and Scarsdale Public Library, where she is also the coordinator of the Scarsdale Library Writers Center. Other than writing, her passions include her family as well as her rescue pup, a mini-schnauzer named Albie. She is currently at work on the second novel of her Sisters of War series, a follow-up to Secrets of the Italian Island, which will release later this year.
Dara Gruenberg dedicates much of her time to local organizations. She is a member of the Scarsdale Board of Trustees. Additionally, Dara is a Vice-Chair of the White Plains Hospital Foundation Board and a board member of Feeding Westchester. Until April 2023, Dara was the President of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library and was Co-Chair of the Library’s Capital Campaign to raise the funds for the building's transformation. Dara was also the Chair of Scarsdale Village’s Advisory Council on Communications, a member of the Village Board of Ethics, the Scarsdale Forum and the League of Women Voters Scarsdale
Italy, 1943. A castle once full of love and laughter is left in ruins by the Nazis, as three sisters are torn apart by one terrible mistake. New York, present day. Broken by the loss of her beloved grandmother Annalisa, who raised her all alone, Mia is shocked when she finds an old letter sent from Italy in her belongings. Annalisa never told Mia about the magnificent, vine-covered castle on Isola di Parissi where she spent one long summer under the Italian stars. Or that she was accused of something terrible in the darkest days of World War Two... Arriving on the stunning Italian coast just a boat ride away from Parissi, Mia is devastated to find the island closed to visitors. Desperate to find out what her grandmother was hiding, she finds local guide Leo, who promises to help her sneak in. As they explore the crumbling castle surrounded by lush olive groves, Mia begins to fall in love with passionate Leo and the beautiful country he calls home. And soon they find handwritten notes hidden in the walls, which confirm her grandmother’s heartbreaking story. Annalisa arrived on the island with her two sisters but was forced to abandon them when the Nazis invaded. Mia soon realizes that the accusation against Annalisa might be true, and that Leo has his own reasons for wanting to dig up her family’s past… An epic, heart-wrenching tale based on the incredible true story.
Copies of Secrets of the Italian Island will be available for purchase from Bronx River Books.