Kansas City Welcomes Author Geraldine Brooks

News Summary

On February 6, Kansas City will host Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks for an engaging event following the release of her memoir ‘Memorial Days’. This marks her second stop on a limited U.S. tour shortly after the launch of this deeply personal book that reflects on her journey through grief after losing her husband. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Brooks share her insights alongside local author David Von Drehle at Unity Temple on the Plaza.

Kansas City Welcomes Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Geraldine Brooks

On February 6, Kansas City is gearing up to greet the acclaimed author Geraldine Brooks. This visit, the second stop on her limited U.S. tour, is scheduled just two days after the release of her highly anticipated memoir, Memorial Days, which hits the shelves on February 4.

A Journey Through Grief

Brooks, originally from Australia, is no stranger to the literary world. Many might know her for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel March, which creatively retells the story of Little Women from the perspective of the father. Yet her latest work dives into deeply personal territory, as it navigates the emotional landscape following the unexpected passing of her husband, Tony Horwitz, in 2019.

Horwitz, a former journalist and a Pulitzer Prize winner himself, died at the young age of 60 during a book tour. The shock of that loss left Brooks reeling, and for a year, she found it nearly impossible to write. During this dark period, she was grappling with grief while trying to comprehend a new reality without her partner by her side. Brooks found herself in an emotionally challenging position, and writing became a necessary outlet for her tumultuous feelings.

Finding Solace in Writing

After wrestling with her heartache, Brooks eventually returned to her craft, finishing her last novel, Horse, before turning her attention to Memorial Days. Throughout the process, she sought peace on Flinders Island, embracing solitude as she poured her heart onto the pages of her memoir. This book was her beacon of healing, crafted not just as a gift for her readers but as a personal chronicle of her experience. She recognized that she had a **responsibility** to share her journey of grief and recovery with others navigating similar paths.

About the Upcoming Kansas City Event

As she arrives in Kansas City, excitement is in the air, especially with the local buzz surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl. At 7 p.m. on February 6, Brooks will take the stage at Unity Temple on the Plaza, where she will engage in a conversation with Kansas City author David Von Drehle. This event presents a unique opportunity for attendees to hear her insights into life, loss, and love directly from the author.

Tickets for the event are attractively priced at $30, which allows entry for one or two guests and includes a copy of her memoir, Memorial Days. It’s a chance not just to listen, but to connect with Brooks and understand the profound themes central to her memoir.

A Look Back at a Rich Life

Brooks and Horwitz were more than just partners in life; they were adventurers and co-journalists who traveled the world together, reporting on crucial stories before settling down in Martha’s Vineyard. It was there that they created a home for their two sons, Nathaniel and Bizu. Nathaniel has ventured off to Brooklyn to run his own business, while Bizu, who was adopted from Ethiopia, is pursuing his college studies back in Australia.

As Brooks prepares for her Kansas City appearance, she is also looking ahead to her future endeavors. After this U.S. tour concludes, she plans to return to Australia to focus on writing her next book. Each stop, including the upcoming Kansas City event, showcases not only her literary achievements but also her personal story of resilience and love.

Mark the calendar for what promises to be an insightful evening filled with reflections on life, loss, and the power of storytelling. Kansas City is ready to welcome Geraldine Brooks, and the excitement just keeps growing!