While I was on my cruise this summer, I saw quite a few people stretched out on the deck reading The Golem and The Jinni. And All I could think was “oh, pretty cover.” So, on in the airport, I grabbed The Golem and The Jinni from the Overdrive and was blown away within the first twenty pages.It’s the story of the year in the life of two immigrant to America at the turn of the century, one is an ancient Jinni and the other is a woman made of clay abandoned after her creation.
So, when Shannon from River City Reading left a comment telling me Helene Wecker is the 13th winner of the VCU Cabell First Novel Award, I had to attend. It was a packed house with students, professors, residents, and even a book club. The award is presented in conjunction with The VCU English Department, James Branch Cabell Associates Board and The College of Humanities and Sciences (Alum shout out !)
Wecker was a down-to-earth and wonderful speaker. She started workshopping The Golem and The Jinni while she was in Columbia’s MFA program, so it seemed more than fitting that she was being presented with an award that is chosen in part by MFA students
I’ll admit I don’t delve into the writing or academic side of writing and publishing very often, but hearing Wecker talk about the process and craft of writing was a great listen.
If you haven’t checked out this debut novel it is a must.
