The public is invited to a free public book discussion and reading of “We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled” with Northwestern University Professor Wendy Pearlman. The discussion will be at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 at St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave.
Based on hundreds of interviews across continents “We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled” chronicles the Syrian conflict exclusively through the words of men and women transformed by its unfolding. A mosaic of intimate testimonials and poetic fragments, the book forms a testament not only to the power of storytelling, but also to the resilience of those who face darkness with hope, courage and moral conviction.
Prof. Pearlman has spent half of her adult life living in Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey studying the region and learning Arabic. She is committed to gathering oral histories and keeping them alive.
The afternoon’s event will feature a sampling of Syrian music at 2:30 p.m.; Prof. Pearlman and the stories of Syrian refugees at 3 p.m.; and a book-signing and reception at 4 p.m.
Professor Pearlman’s talk is sponsored by the Seraj Library Project, which has created 10 libraries in Palestinian villages on the West Bank. The Seraj Library Project is now engaged in creating a storytelling center and network that will gather, produce, archive and convey stories by and about Palestinians and Palestine.