Tales and Cocktails with Jean Hanff Korelitz

Jean Hanff Korelitz, acclaimed novelist, will captivate guests at a Desmond-Fish Public Library annual benefit event with tales from her latest books, The Plot and The Latecomer.

Jean Hanff Korelitz is the author of nine novels, including The Sequel (coming October 2024), The Latecomer and The Plot (both in development as limited series), You Should Have Known (adapted by David E. Kelley as HBO’s 2020 limited series, The Undoing, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant), and the New York Times bestselling Admission (adapted as a 2013 film starring Tina Fey). The New York Times has called The Latecomer “a sumptuously wrapped gift, a Gilded Age novel for the 21st century. “ In reviewing The Plot, The Washington Post wrote, “… The Plot is a witty nightmare of a thriller and one of the best of 2021.”

In addition, Ms. Korelitz is the author of a collection of poems, The Properties of Breath, and a middle grade reader, Interference Powder. With her husband, Irish poet Paul Muldoon, she adapted James Joyce’s The Dead as an immersive theater piece that was staged by New York City’s Irish Repertory Theater. She will receive the Desmond-Fish Library Award for her contributions to arts and letters.

Ms. Korelitz will be introduced by Charity Shumway, Desmond-Fish Public Library trustee and author of the novels Bountiful and Ten Girls to Watch.

T. Jefferson Cunningham III will receive the Library’s Patricia Adams Award recognizing service to the community. A longtime Garrison resident, Jeff currently serves on the board of directors of M&T Bank Corp. He is a trustee of Open Space Institute and has served as an advisory director of the Hudson Valley Greenway Communities Council and on the management council of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. Closer to home, Jeff has served on the board of Boscobel House & Gardens and currently serves as an Advisory Board Member of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and a trustee of the Garrison Yacht Club. The Patrica Adams award was established 20 years ago and will be presented by Patricia Adams, the first recipient.

Enlivening the evening will be a selection of jazz from the American Songbook presented by Grammy, Emmy, Clio and Peabody award winner Art Labriola on piano. Catering by Riverview Restaurant will provide delicious tapas and hors d’oeuvres paired with distinctive wine selections. Ms. Korelitz will sign copies of her books courtesy of Cold Spring’s independent bookstore, Split Rock Books.

This event is in support of the many programs and resources offered by the Desmond-Fish Public Library to the Garrison and Philipstown communities.

Ticket sales have now concluded. Please call the Library at 845-424-3020 for more information.