SLCL Foundation Presents WINTER'S BONE Author Daniel Woodrell Today

The St. Louis County Library Foundation presents acclaimed Missouri Ozarks novelist Daniel Woodrell for a discussion and signing of his latest novel "The Maid's Version" tonight, September 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

The program is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase at the event from Left Bank Books.

The event is sponsored by Maryville University.

The American master's first novel since "Winter's Bone" tells of a deadly dance hall fire and its impact over several generations.

Alma DeGeer Dunahew, the mother of three young boys, works as the maid for a prominent citizen and his family in West Table, Missouri. Her husband is mostly absent, and, in 1929, her scandalous, beloved younger sister is one of the 42 killed in an explosion at the local dance hall. Who is to blame? Mobsters from St. Louis? The embittered local gypsies? The preacher who railed against the loose morals of the waltzing couples? Or could it have been a colossal accident?

Alma thinks she knows the answer-and that its roots lie in a dangerous love affair. Her dogged pursuit of justice makes her an outcast and causes a long-standing rift with her own son. By telling her story to her grandson, she finally gains some solace and peace for her sister. He is advised to "Tell it. Go on and tell it"-tell the story of his family's struggles, suspicions, secrets, and triumphs.

Five of Daniel Woodrell's eight published novels were selected as New York Times Notable Books of the Year. "Tomato Red" won the PEN West Award for the Novel in 1999. The film version of his most critically acclaimed novel "Winter's Bone" was nominated for four Academy Awards.

Program sites are accessible. Upon two weeks notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314-994-3300 or visit http://www.slcl.org.

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