Author Porochista Khakpour to Open Concordia College’s Books & Coffee Series September 18
Sep. 3, 2014: Critically acclaimed author Porochista Khakpour will discuss her new book, The Last Illusion, on Thursday, September 18, at 7:00 pm in the Sommer Center for Worship and the Performing Arts on the Concordia College campus. A reception with book sales and signing will follow Khakpour's presentation.
The Last Illusion, Khakpour's second novel, is about a feral boy's coming of age in New York and is based on a legend from the medieval Persian epic Shahnameh, The Book of Kings.
The story begins with Zal's birth in a rural Iranian village. Horrified by the pallor of his skin and hair, his demented mother hides him in a birdcage for the next decade, treating him like her other pet birds. Freed at age ten, he is adopted by a behavioral analyst, taken to New York, and struggles to live his life as a human. His bird-like tendencies make him an outsider and, as New York survives one potential disaster, Y2K, and begins hurtling toward another, 9/11, Zal finds himself in a cast of fellow outsiders--a famous illusionist and a disturbed artist who both send Zal's life spiraling into chaos.
Claire Messud, author of The Woman Upstairs, proclaims: "Utterly original and compelling, Porochista Khakpour's The Last Illusion weaves Iranian myth with very contemporary American neurosis to create a bittersweet poetry all its own. This ambitious, exciting literary adventure is at once grotesque, amusing, deeply sad--and wonderful, too."
Khakpour's first book, Sons and Other Flammable Objects, was named a New York Times Editor's Choice, one of the Chicago Tribune's Fall Best, and winner of the 2007 California Book Award in the First Fiction Category. Her nonfiction has appeared in Harper's, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Spin, Slate, and Salon, among others.
Khakpour currently teaches at Columbia University in its MFA program, Fordham University, and Wesleyan University. She lives in New York City.
Pictured here: Book cover of The Last Illusion.
Photo courtesy Ellen de Saint Phalle, Director of Community Relations, Concordia College
Adult Education Directory
About the Bronxville Adult School & Contacts
The Bronxville Adult School is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1957 and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. The School "offers all adults of Bronxville and surrounding communities the opportunity for personal growth through life enhancing skills and provides cultural, intellectual and recreational stimulation at a nominal cost."
The Bronxville Adult School
(914) 793-4435
email: adultschool@bronxvilleschool.org
www.bronxvilleadultschool.org
Bronxville Public Library
The Bronxville Public Library traces its origins back to 1875, when it was a small lending library housed in a room attached to the “Bronxville Model School.” The Library was officially chartered in 1906 and moved into the Village Hall Building. The needs of the library grew with the town and, in 1942, a new standalone building was erected, which is where the Library is today. Over the years, the Library was renovated and expanded to meet the needs of the community.
The Library has wonderful resources for adults and children and offers a comfortable and relaxing environment. The Library also houses a fine art collection, consisting principally of Bronxville painters and sculptors.
The Library offers special events, art exhibitions, and programs for adults, young adults and children. All events are open to the public, unless otherwise indicated.
The Bronxville Public Library
914-337-7680
201 Pondfield Road (Midland Avenue & Pondfield Road)
http://bronxvillelibrary.org/
Iona University
At Iona, you’ll find bright, curious students eager to achieve for themselves, and for others. We foster both innovative, independent thinking and a deep commitment to community.
Iona’s unique locations offer the best of both worlds. Our New Rochelle and Bronxville campuses provide comfortable, intimate learning environments. At Iona, everyone knows everyone and faculty members and students work closely together.
With New York City less than half an hour away, students have unlimited options for career development and internship opportunities. Not to mention, access to some of the best cultural attractions in the world!
No two Iona journeys are alike. But they all have a few things in common. High-quality academics, outside-the-box thinking and dedication to helping others underscore every Iona experience.
Sarah Lawrence College
Sarah Lawrence is a prestigious, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Founded in 1926 and consistently ranked among the leading liberal arts colleges in the country,
Sarah Lawrence is known for its pioneering approach to education, rich history of impassioned intellectual and civic engagement, and vibrant, successful alumni. In close proximity to the unparalleled offerings of New York City, our historic campus is home to an inclusive, intellectually curious, and diverse community.
914-337-0700
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, New York 10708
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