The Dialogue Society Book Group - Meeting 17: Bread Givers, by Anzia Yezierska

Venue: AEF, 49 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Date: 10th October 2017
Time: 18:30

Publisher's synopsis of Bread Givers, by Anzia Yezierska:

This masterwork of American immigrant literature is set in the 1920s on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and tells the story of Sara Smolinsky, the youngest daughter of an Orthodox rabbi, who rebels against her father's rigid conception of Jewish womanhood. Sarah's struggle towards independence and self-fulfillment resonates with a passion all can share. Bread Givers is an essential historical work with enduring relevance.

About the Dialogue Society Book Group

The Dialogue Society Book Group explores the capacity of books to provide windows into different cultural and intercultural worlds. We will be choosing a series of quality novels to read and then to discuss together at relaxed, sociable gatherings at the Dialogue Society. Participants are welcome to suggest books for future sessions.

Participants will need to find a copy of the book chosen for each meeting and will need to read it prior to the meeting. Books will generally be available from local libraries.

Over refreshments we will have a conversation about the book and our responses to it. Discussion may cover:

• the quality of the storytelling
• the authenticity and accuracy with which a historical/cultural situation is portrayed
• our personal responses to it

You do not need to be an expert on literature or anything else to join in. The group should be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys a good book and likes discovering new ones.

Prospective books for future sessions (NB we are open to suggestions)

• Arab in America, by Toufic El Rassi
• Harare North, By Brian Chikwava
• Pearl of China, Anchee Min
• A Pale View of Hills, Kazuo Ishiguro
• Nervous Conditions, Tsitsi Dangarembga 
• Touch the water, touch the wind, Amos Oz