Greenwich author Arlene Mark will discuss her newest novel ‘The Year without a Summer’ to show how a historic natural disaster can lead young adults to empathize with one another and listen to varying points of view concerning issues that impact their lives today, including climate change and social and cultural differences.
Inspired by the cataclysmic 1815 volcanic eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Tambora, which had repercussions worldwide, the novel is set in a present-day classroom setting in Albany, NY, where two eighth graders debate their opposing views to the impact of the historic eruption that cancelled summer that year due to snowfall resulting from the volcanic ash that filled the atmosphere. While one teen was thrilled with the prospect of summer snowboarding the other was distraught over the hardships the community faced.
Relevant and thought-provoking to youth and adult readers alike, the novel offers valuable insights that will spark dialogue and cultivate understanding between children and their peers as well as their elders.
“It’s a privilege to have Arlene Mark speak at our September 7 Tavern Garden Market,” said Dianne Niklaus, manager of marketing and communications, Greenwich Historical Society.
“Her novel is especially relevant today as we emerge from a worldwide pandemic and deal with the effects of climate change and other challenges that impact our daily lives and perspectives.”
A Greenwich resident since 1975, Mark is a member of Greenwich Pen Women. She has written stories for magazines, including “Highlights for Children,” as well as newspaper articles. Her picture book “To the Tower: A Greenwich Adventure” was published the Greenwich Historical Society in 2002 and is available for purchase at the Museum Store.
Copies of The Year Without a Summer (2022, Sparkpress) will be available for pre-order through Diane’s Books and sold at the Greenwich Historical Society on the day of the event to be signed by the author. For more information and to register for the event visit greenwichhistory.org/events.
The talk is at 10:30am on September 7th, at the Greenwich Historical Society Café located at 47 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob. Tavern Garden Market, which takes place adjacent to the Café from 10am – 2pm, offers something for everyone, including delicious locally sourced farm-to-table organic produce, farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, flowers and distinctive one-of-a-kind gifts, fashion accessories, including vintage jewelry and crafts and environmentally sourced beauty products. Admission is free.