Lovers in Auschwitz: A Journey of Hope and Resilience

Journalist and author Keren Blankfeld tells the incredible true story of two Holocaust survivors who fell in love in Auschwitz, only to be separated upon liberation and lead remarkable lives apart following the war—and then find each other again more than 70 years later. About the Author: Keren Blankfeld is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Forbes, Reuters, The Toronto Star, and others. Her first book, Lovers in Auschwitz: A True Story has been translated to multiple languages. A former editor and staff writer at Forbes, Keren has been a guest on CNN, BBC World News, and E! Entertainment.

Bestselling Author Laura Dave Presents: The Night We Lost Him

Get ready for a lively conversation between New York Times bestselling author Laura Dave and her editor, New Canaan’s own Marysue Rucci, as they discuss her soon-to-be-released novel “The Night We Lost Him.” Laura Dave’s previous novel “The Last Thing He Told Me” sold over three million copies, was named a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and is now a limited series on Apple TV+. The talk will begin at 1pm in the Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium. The event will conclude with a book sale and signing with Elm Street Books, and a reception featuring a taste of the intriguing recipe from “The Night We Lost Him”: a strawberry balsamic pizza!

Puccini and the Twilight of The Operatic Golden Age

Born in Lucca, Italy and steeped in operatic tradition, Giacomo Puccini created operas that showcased a brilliance that made him a worthy successor to Verdi. In his talk, Professor Gil Harel will analyze the celebrated opera Madama Butterfly (1904), one of Puccini’s most famous works. The Italian opera tells the story of B.F. Pinkerton (American) who marries Cio-Cio-san (Japanese). The result is a sublime score filled with worldly influences, pentatonic music, and rich melodies that frame a heartbreaking story of love, betrayal, and hope smashed asunder. Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is an award-winning musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater.

Author Janika Oza Discusses Her Novel A History of Burning

Award winning author Janika Oza will speak at New Canaan Library in celebration of the release of the paperback edition of A History of Burning. This compelling narrative spans a century of time, four generations of family, five continents and multiple languages, illuminating the themes of family, survival, inheritance, immigration, and colonialism, while centering on one individual’s desperate, destructive act that haunts his family for generations. Along with a discussion and audience Q&A, Janika will be signing copies of A History of Burning. Elm Street Books will be on site selling books. Janika Oza is the author of the novel A History of Burning, winner of the 2024 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a finalist for the 2023 Governor General’s Award for Fiction, a finalist for the 2024 Carol Shield’s Prize, and a New York Times Editor’s Choice.

Broadway Cabaret with Gil Harel & the Naugatuck Valley Troupe

The thrill of Broadway Cabaret comes to New Canaan Library when students of CT State College, Naugatuck Valley, delight the audience with songs and scenes from beloved musicals. Under the direction of Professor Gil Harel, this theater troupe has performed in venues across New England. Their dynamic acts have been a hit with audiences of all musical interests and listening preferences. This set will include songs from shows such as Rent, Dear Evan Hansen, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, as well as close-harmony original arrangements of songs from the canon. Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is an award-winning musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater.