Watertown Library Plans Month Of Events Inspired By Novel

WATERTOWN, MA — This March, the Watertown Free Public Library will offer a wide range of special programs and events inspired by Lara Prescott’s debut novel The Secrets We Kept. Called “a gorgeous and romantic feast of a novel” by The New York Times, Prescott’s debut is the Library’s One Book, One Watertown community read selection for 2020.

The Secrets We Kept is set during the height of the Cold War and weaves a thrilling tale of secretaries turned spies, inspired by true events. Throughout, the novel offers plenty of fodder for discussion with interwoven themes of love and duty, cultural propaganda, the politics of “women’s work,” and the threat of totalitarianism.

The Watertown Free Public Library invites all Watertown residents to read along and explore the world of Prescott’s novel through a series of events designed to bring the community together.

On March 18, readers will have the opportunity to hear directly from Lara Prescott at WFPL’s “Skype with the Author” event. Also in March, the Library has booked guest speakers Lara Prieto of Simmons University and Calder Walton of the Harvard Kennedy School to lead discussions about the gender politics of the Cold War era, and the realities of British and American espionage. Because Doctor Zhivago is central to the plot of The Secrets We Kept, the Library will offer a screening of David Lean’s epic 1965 film version of Boris Pasternak’s novel, with Russian treats served at intermission.

Hardcover copies of The Secrets We Kept are available at WFPL Reference Desk. In addition to regular hardcover books, the Library offers large print books, Playaway audio players, ebooks, and e-audiobooks. For more information about One Book, One Watertown visit: watertownlib.org/onebook

Upcoming Events:

Community Book Discussion

Wednesday, 3/4 | 7 pm | Lucia Mastrangelo Room

Perkins Book Group Discussion

Tuesday, 3/10 | 1 pm | Perkins School for the Blind

How Women Fought in the Cold War

Wednesday, 3/11 | 7 pm | Watertown Savings Bank Room

Spies, Lies, and Espionage, Oh My! – Intelligence and Espionage in the Cold War Era

Thursday, 3/12 | 7 pm | Watertown Savings Bank Room

Doctor Zhivago Screening (with Russian Treats at Intermission)

Saturday, 3/14 | 12:30 pm | Watertown Savings Bank Room

Skype with the Author!

Wednesday, 3/18 | 7 pm | Watertown Savings Bank Room

Senior Center Book Discussion

Wednesday, 3/25 | 10 am | Watertown Senior Center

History of the Typewriter: Tools of the Trade

Thursday, 3/26 | 7 pm | Watertown Savings Bank Room