Book Group: Universe of Two with a talk by author Stephen P. Kiernan
Presenting Vermont Author Stephen P. Kiernan for a talk about his fascinating historical fiction book, Universe of Two, and other topics.
There will be time for Q & A.
Please note the different time and day than our usual morning book group meeting!
Graduating from Harvard at the height of World War II, brilliant mathematician Charlie Fish is assigned to the Manhattan Project. Working with some of the age's greatest scientific minds, including J. Robert Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi, and Leo Szilard, Charlie is assigned the task of designing and building the detonator of the atomic bomb. As he performs that work Charlie suffers a crisis of conscience, which his wife, Brenda--unaware of the true nature of Charlie's top-secret task--mistakes as self-doubt. She urges him to set aside his qualms and continue. Once the bombs strike Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the feelings of culpability devastate them. At the war's end Charlie and Brenda must decide whether to stay at Stanford to continue his work, or dedicate their lives to making amends.
Based on the life of the actual mathematician Charles B. Fisk, Universe of Two combines riveting historical drama with a poignant love story. Stephen Kiernan has conjured a remarkable account of two people struggling to heal their consciences and find peace in a world forever changed.
Bonus! The Flying Pig Bookstore will be selling Stephen Kiernan's books at this evening event and Stephen will be available to chat and sign books at the end of the talk.
Extra Bonus: Charles Fiske has a fascinating connection with UVM.
Stephen P. Kiernan is the author of the novels The Curiosity, The Hummingbird, The Baker's Secret, Universe of Two, and The Glass Chateau. A graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, he spent more than twenty years as a journalist, winning many awards before turning to fiction writing. He has also worked nationwide on improving end of life medical care through greater use of hospice. Kiernan lives in Vermont.
Print, ebooks and downloadable audiobook copies will be available to borrow from the Library or Libby. This event will be held in the Auditorium and on Zoom.
Email sbplprograms@southburlingtonvt.gov or call 802-846-4140 for the Zoom link, if you have questions.
