February Book Discussion

Will Concern ‘Grace’

BETHEL — On Tuesday, February 13, from 7:30 to 9 pm, Bethel Public Library’s lively discussion group will continue its winter exploration of “Just Great Books” with Canadian author Margaret Atwood’s best-selling novel, Alias Grace.

Originally published in 1996, the fictional account is based on the real life story of Grace Marks, who was convicted in Canada of murder in the 1840s at the age of 16. As the story opens Grace has barely been saved from the hangman’s noose and is serving a life sentence, following a stint in Toronto’s asylum.

Some believe Grace is innocent, and they bring in an American specialist in mental illness, Dr Simon Jordan, to help obtain evidence for a pardon. By the time Simon meets Grace, she has spent over half of her life in one institution or another.

As Simon performs his analysis of her, he begins to wonder, as does the reader: Was Grace really the co-murderer of Nancy Montgomery and was she the lover of James McDermott? More importantly, was she ever genuinely insane, or was she merely feigning insanity to receive better conditions? Margaret Atwood, the author of over 25 books, challenges the reader’s conception of justice, punishment, and even sanity itself.

The discussion will be moderated by the library’s own Lauren Baratz-Logsted, who is also a book reviewer for Publishers Weekly, a freelance editor and writer.

Registration for the program is suggested. All programs sponsored by Bethel Public Library are free, open to the public, and meet accessibility requirements for the disabled. These needing special accommodations should contact the library as soon as possible in order to make arrangements.

Bethel Public Library, at 189 Greenwood Avenue, can be reached by calling 794-8756.