Claire Messud: This Strange Eventful History

Bestselling author Claire Messud visits the Toronto Reference Library Atrium to discuss her new novel, This Strange Eventful History, an immersive story of a family born on the wrong side of history.

Over seven decades, from 1940 to 2010, the pieds-noirs Cassars live in an itinerant state—separated in the chaos of World War II, running from a complicated colonial homeland, and, after Algerian independence, without a homeland at all. This Strange Eventful History, told with historical sweep, is above all a family story: of patriarch Gaston and his wife Lucienne, whose myth of perfect love sustains them and stifles their children; of François and Denise, devoted siblings connected by their family’s strangeness; of François’s union with Barbara, a woman so culturally different they can barely comprehend one another; of Chloe, the result of that union, who believes that telling these buried stories will bring them all peace.

Author Claire Messud will be interviewed by award-winning writer Souvankham Thammavongsa about This Strange Eventful History, an intimate look at the human toll of the social and political upheaval of the recent past.

Q&A and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase. 

Registration for this event is not required. 

About this event’s guests: 

Claire Messud

Souvankham Thammavongsa

Read more:

This Strange Eventful History

The Emperor’s Children

How to Pronounce Knife

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This event is part of our signature Salon Series, where we host local and international authors, artists and thinkers in conversation about their new books and big ideas.

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Note: This is an in-person event located on the first floor Atrium of the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Arrive early, meet people. Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends. 

Accessibility at Toronto Public Library:

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca.