The Greenwich Historical Society is pleased to welcome local author Arlene Mark to our Tavern Market for a book talk on the August 16th release of her latest young adult novel, The Year Without a Summer. Inspired by the 1815 volcanic eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Tambora, the story presents this cataclysmic past event that had repercussions around the world in a present-day context to address current themes such as climate change, cultural perspective, family dynamics and empathy.
A former school psychologist, Mark employs the classroom setting in Albany, NY to prompt a debate between two eighth-graders over their differing reactions to the impact of the historic eruption, which had caused snow to fall in the town that fateful summer. Relevant and thought-provoking to youth and adults readers alike, the novel offers valuable insights that will spark dialogue and cultivate understanding between children and their peers as well as their elders.
Mark, who has lived in Greenwich since 1975, is a member of Greenwich Pen Women. She has written stories for magazines, including “Highlights for Children,” as well as newspaper articles. Her picture book “To the Tower: A Greenwich Adventure” published in 2002 by the Greenwich Historical Society is available for purchase at the Museum Store.
Copies of The Year Without a Summer will be available for pre-order through Diane’s Books and sold at the Greenwich Historical Society Tavern Market on the day of the event to be signed by the author.
