NYT Bestselling Author Harvey To Launch New Novel in Spartanburg
Spartanburg – A wave of anticipation sweeps the literary world as Kristy Woodson Harvey, an acclaimed New York Times bestselling author, announces the premier of her latest opus, “A Happier Life”. Harvey, who is also co-host of the popular “Friends in Fiction” podcast, is scheduled to visit Spartanburg County on July 11 to promote the release of her 11th novel.
Harvey’s newest creation draws from a poignant family story, her great aunt and uncle’s passing from the 1970s. The novel ingeniously weaves the past and present as a granddaughter embarks on a quest to uncover the story of her grandparents she never had a chance to meet.
A Sagacious Tale
Set in the picturesque locale of Beaufort, North Carolina, “A Happier Life” unfurls through two distinct timelines. Readers are taken on a journey with Keaton Smith in the present day, as well as with Smith’s grandmother, Rebecca “Becks” Saint James and her life over an intriguing 40-year period that culminates in 1976.
In her exploration of the present, Smith arrives at her mother’s childhood home in Beaufort where she learns about her grandparents’ story, involved in an unfortunate automobile accident before her birth. Smith finds herself creating bonds with those around her even while grappling with her past.
Reflections of the Past
Harvey’s narrative takes us through a poignant journey into the past, showcasing James as a renowned North Carolina hostess, whose annual summer suppers were nothing short of a legendary tradition. Despite the passage of time, their significance is unsullied, captivating locals and visitors alike.
“The original inspiration is something that occurred in my own family,” Harvey confessed. “The commencement point for this story was that great aunt and uncle and their accident, so it seemed appropriate that one of the perspectives be set in the 70s.” As part of her preparatory process, Harvey delved into extensive research exploring life in Beaufort at that time.
A Tale of Traditions
One of the underlying themes gracefully parsed by Harvey in “A Happier Life” is the representation of how traditions are preserved in the South. Harvey’s exploration, through James’ character steeped in warm tradition of hospitability, and then leading to Smith’s attempts at reviving and adapting these for contemporary times, parallels an intriguing reflection on continuity and change.
Harvey will shed more light on her latest work at two events in the area. The first will be held at the Spartanburg County Public Library’s Chesnee Branch at 1:00 pm, followed by a session at 5:30 pm at the Cherokee County Public Library in Gaffney. For additional information, visit the author’s official website.
