WILMETTE — The Wilmette Public Library announced that author Affinity Konar’s novel, Mischling, has been selected as the title for the 12th annual “One Book, Everybody Reads” program. Konar will discuss her book on May 7 at 2 p.m. at the Wilmette Jr. High School, 620 Locust Road, Wilmette.
“One Book, Everybody Reads” is the library’s annual community-wide reading and book discussion program, funded by the Friends of the Wilmette Public Library. Local residents are encouraged to read the “One Book” selected title and participate in various events that explore the book and its themes. Hundreds of community members take part in the series each year.
Mischling tells the story of 12-year-old twin sisters Pearl and Stasha who fight to survive the evils of World War II as they endure Dr. Josef Mengele’s horrific experiments at Auschwitz. Through a compelling and lyrically written narrative, Mischling counters the brutality of the Holocaust by sending messages of hope, beauty, and resilience.
The novel, praised by reviewers and readers alike, was named one of Amazon’s Best Books of 2016, The New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2016, and Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2016. The New York Times called Mischling “riveting” and noted that “readers who allow themselves to fall under the spell of Konar’s exceptionally sensitive writing may well find the book unforgettable.” In its starred review, Booklist described Mischling as “an unforgettable sojourn of the spirit,” adding that Konar “finds inspiration for fiction of rare poignancy – and astonishing hope.”
In describing her motivation to write this novel, Konar explains, “I am a Polish Jew and my grandfather served in World War II, so I was always drawn to Holocaust narratives. When I was 16, I found a book called Children of the Flames by Lucette Lagnado and Sheila Cohn Dekel. The book details the experience of the twins of Auschwitz, and the crimes and eventual flight of Mengele, the Angel of Death. While I was a very foolish 16, I knew I couldn’t write Mischling then – if ever – but the idea of two twins alternately telling this story has followed me ever since.”
The Wilmette Public Library’s “One Book, Everybody Reads” program began in 2006. The popular series is designed to create opportunities for shared enjoyment of a selected book, enhance each individual’s reading experience, and introduce readers to a book and/or author with whom they might not otherwise be familiar.
As is customary, the series of “One Book” events will take place in the spring, and additional programming details will be available in late winter. Now that the title has been announced, however, patrons are invited to check out the book and begin reading. The library holds multiple copies of Mischling in a variety of formats to accommodate patron demand.
For more information about this spring’s “One Book, Everybody Reads” program, visit www.wilmettelibrary.info/onebook or call (847) 256-6930.
Submitted by the Wilmette Public Library