Award-winning writer David Joy comes to Sumter
FROM STAFF REPORTS
As part of the Spring Writer Series, the University of South Carolina Sumter welcomes feature award-winning and nationally acclaimed author David Joy on Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Arts and Letters Lecture Hall at USC Sumter. Joy will read selections of his work and participate in a discussion hosted by poet and USC Sumter professor Ray McManus. The discussion will be on a variety of topics: Joy's sense of place and character in his novels, the role of Southern literature in the South today and the current state of Appalachia.
"David Joy is the kind of storyteller people want to listen to," said McManus in a news release. "The way he presents ordinary characters who find themselves in extraordinary situations, sometimes at no real fault of their own, is something that we can all relate to. And his insight on class and race in the American South is poignant, honest and unafraid." McManus promises that the event will be lively and entertaining. A reception will be held followed by a book signing with books available for purchase.
On Wednesday, Joy will read from his latest novel "The Line That Held Us" from noon to 12:45 p.m. in the Arts and Letters Lecture Hall at USC Sumter.
"I spoke to David on the phone, and he's genuinely excited to come to Sumter," McManus said. "To have a writer of David Joy's caliber wanting to come and be a part of community speaks highly of his dedication and generosity. And I sincerely believe the folks here will be in for a real treat!"
Tuesday and Wednesday's events are free and open to the public.
For more information on the Spring Writer Series, contact Dr. Ray McManus, professor of English, at (803) 938-3817 or email drmcman@uscsumter.edu.