Author Emily Gray Tedrowe to Speak at Darien Library

Emily Gray Tedrowe, the author of "Commuters: A Novel," will be the featured speaker at Darien Library on Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m.

"Commuters" depicts the shockwaves set in motion by the sudden marriage of one middle-class family's 78-year-old matriarch to a wealthy outsider. Winnie Easton has found love with Jerry Trevis – and their decision to purchase the biggest house in their small upstate New York town is met with anger and skepticism from their families. It's an insightful human story about human nature, the nature of families, and the inherent complexities and repercussions of those relationships and decisions. Told from alternating perspectives, Ms. Tedrowe captures the profound and the intimate in this beautifully-drawn family drama.

"Tedrowe is an exceptionally adept first-time novelist, creating a thoroughly engrossing plot, redolent settings, and intriguing characters coping valiantly with fear, terrible decisions, and the bewitchment of money. Tedrowe's tale of family conflict, shelter, love, and loss is suspenseful, funny, and tender." -- Donna Seaman, Booklist

"In her wonderfully cohesive debut novel, short story writer Tedrowe graduates to elegant novelist with a winding, convincing familial drama about the ties that bind and the bonds that bend to the breaking point.. The author's deft handling of a large and distinctive cast should win raves from those who revel in this sort of ensemble crazy quilt. A lovely and literate family drama wins bonus points for its sincerity and open-hearted delivery."— Kirkus

An award-winning author of short stories, Ms. Tedrowe lives in Chicago with her husband and two daughters. "Commuters" is her first novel.

Emily Gray Tedrowe's appearance at Darien Library is part of the Library's Adult Summer Reading program. Future Adult Summer Reading events include a Meet the Author event featuring Alexandra Lebenthal on Thursday, August 12. Ms. Lebenthal, the socially prominent President and CEO of Lebenthal & Co., will be here to talk about her debut novel, "The Recessionistas," which will be published on August 9. For more information about Darien Library's Adult Summer Reading program, visit darienlibrary.org.

A book signing will follow the presentation and books will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served.

Darien Library is located at 1441 Post Road, Darien, Conn. For more information, visit darienlibrary.org or call 203-655-1234.

Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen's).

(Photos attached: headshot of Emily Gray Tedrowe; cover of "Commuters: A Novel")