Spoken Interludes to Celebrate 15th Anniversary at Author-Reading Program This Month

Spoken Interludes will celebrate its 15th anniversary at a book-reading program to be held on May 10 at RiverView in Hastings-on-Hudson. The literary organization, formed in 1996 by writer and actress DeLauné Michel, conducts a number of meet-the-author gatherings annually where novelists read passages, answers questions and autograph books as they acquaint attendees with their latest work. The evening’s activities are preceded by a buffet dinner and are usually sellouts.

Michel is a resident of Irvington and the author of two recent novels published by HarperCollins: Aftermath of Dreaming and The Safely of Secrets.

At the May 10 meeting, Michael Korda will read excerpts from and discuss his new biography Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia.

British-born Korda was the editor-in-chief of Simon & Schuster and is a legendary figure in the book publishing industry. He is also the author of Charmed Lives, With Wings Like Eagles and Queenie, a story about his aunt actress Merle Oberon which aired as a miniseries on ABC starring Sarah Miles, Kirk Douglas, Claire Bloom and Mia Sara as the title character.

Lawrence was a British intelligence officer who took to the desert during World War One, banding together and training Arab tribes to harass the Turks; ultimately, he led the Arab forces to a brilliant victory at Damascus.

Two other authors will speak during the same evening.  

Alexandra Styron, youngest daughter of William Styron, will recite a few passages from Reading My Father: William Styron, which went on sale on April 19, 2011. Her father is the author of Sophie’s Choice, Lie Down in Darkness, and Pulitzer Prize-winner The Confessions of Nat Turner.

Jennifer Cody Epstein will introduce her first novel The Painter from Shanghai based on the true story of Pam Yuliang, a former child prostitute who became a celebrated painter. Epstein received an MFA degree from Columbia University where she is an adjunct professor in the School of the Arts. 

The buffet service will began at 6 p.m. and conclude at  7:30 p.m. when Michel will begin introducing the guest speakers. Book signing will take place from 8:30 to 9 p.m.

Attendees can pay the $25 admission/dinner cost at the door by cash, check or credit card however the RiverView bar will only accept cash. Books can be purchased from on-site representatives of The Village Book Store of Pleasantville, NY, by cash, check or credit card.

To make a reservation for the May 10 program, send an e-mail to rsvp@spokeninterludes.com

The RiverView is located at 1 Warburton Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson, 914-965-7220, www.riverviewcaterers.com.