May 2, 2008 | Instituto Cervantes | New York City

With Calvin Baker, Kevin Baker, Julie Otsuka, and Kashmira Sheth

Cosponsored by Instituto Cervantes

Historical fiction reconstitutes the dry record of places and dates, inviting readers to observe and better understand how human fears, hopes, ideas, and actions give rise to monumental events. Four award-winning novelists read from their works, discuss the inspirations found in the written record (and its omissions), explain how attention to detail can lead to surprising revelations, and talk about the writing life as profession and mission.

 LISTEN
• Discussion & Q&A
• Kashmira Sheth reads from Keeping Corner
• Calvin Baker reads from Dominion
• Julie Otsuka reads from When the Emperor Was Divine