Le Grande Dame

The Florida Center for the Literary Arts has brought many esteemed authors to Miami, but its latest acquisition is quite a coup. Maryse Condé is one of the Caribbean’s best writers. The center’s event organizer, Lissette Mendez, is thrilled. “I have always been looking for an opportunity to bring Maryse Condé. She’s such a great writer and teacher,” says Mendez. The Guadeloupe born author has penned twelve novels — including I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem; Windward Heights; Crossing the Mangrove; and Desirada — which address issues of immigration and exile, race and assimilation. Condé is certainly not pressed for reading material, and she has already made a decision about what to recite. “I think I will read from Tales from the Heart. The first chapter of that book is very illuminating about my family, my island, my upbringing. It is a way for people to know me and what I’m writing about,” the author explains in French accented English. Meet Condé at a free reading at 7:00 p.m. at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida (101 W. Flagler St., Miami). The event is in conjunction with the exhibit “Caribbean Collage” and will be preceded by live music. Call 305-237-3298, or visit www.flcenterlitarts.com.
Thu., April 6