Evening Literary Seminar: A Book of Common Prayer, Joan Didion

A Book of Common Prayer

Joan Didion published this taut, gorgeous, suspenseful novel in 1977 but her depiction of corruption and conflict in Central America provides a fascinating window into issues playing out today. Our “heroine” Charlotte Douglas escapes Berkeley, leaving behind a failing marriage, a boldly problematic daughter and stifling socialite expectations—only to find further complexity. Whether you are a devotee of Didion—literary icon, political seer, hyper-intelligent essayist and rebel for all time—or whether this is your first of her books, do yourself a favor and explore the novel that Kimberly thinks is her finest. The “only flaw” that the New York Times found with Didion’s “most ambitious novel” is that it could have been longer. You will feel the same way once you’ve entered the incredible, haunting world she creates.

A copy of A Book of Common Prayer is included in the price of the Seminar and should be picked up at Kepler's (and read) prior to the meeting date.