Author Sheila McGrory-Klyza of Bristol will discuss her new book about a friendship between two girls that transcends cultural differences and will also share her personal observations about difficult social dynamics in France at the One World Library Project program on Thursday, November 19th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Lawrence Memorial Library in Bristol. The presentation is based on her middle grade novel, Miming in French, which she wrote after living in Aix-en-Provence, France and is suitable for all ages.

During this free program, McGrory-Klyza will show photos from Aix-en-Provence, read from the novel, answer questions about the book, and share her personal understanding of the current struggles in France with immigration and assimilation of Muslims into the mainstream culture.

Both in 2004 and 2010, McGrory-Klyza spent six months living in France with her husband and their two daughters. While attempting to assimilate into French culture, McGrory-Klyza became aware of social dynamics between French Muslims and those who considered themselves the “true” French. Since she and her family were also outsiders in this culture, she began to imagine what it would be like for an American girl to befriend a French Muslim girl and how they might overcome their own cultural differences.

McGrory-Klyza wrote Miming in French to tell that story. Another central character is a mysterious street mime, a symbol of someone removed from labels of ethnicity, religion, skin color, and nationality. He helps the two girls discover the meaning of true friendship and realize that the people you meet can often turn out to be quite different from your expectations. Although the book is a middle grade novel, readers of all ages will find it engaging.

For more information on the program, contact the Lawrence Memorial Library at 453-2366 or go to www.OneWorldLibraryProject.org or the One World Library Project page on Facebook.

Shelburne Age Well January Luncheons

Jan 14, 2025, 11:30 AM

Selectboard Agenda Jan. 15

Jan 15, 2025, 6 PM

Winter Into Spring Musical Library Tour

Jan 16, 2025, 7:30 to 8:30 PM