Brattleboro Literary Festival: Circumstances of Life- Andre Dubus & Mary Beth Keane

In Andre Dubus III’s new book, Such Kindness, Tom Lowe’s identity and his pride are invested in the work he does with his back and his hands. He designed and built his family’s dream home, working extra hours to pay o! the adjustable rate mortgage he took on the property, convinced he is making every sacrifce for the happiness of his wife and son. Until, in a moment of fatigued inattention, shingling a roof in too-bright sunlight, he falls. In constant pain, addicted to painkillers at the cost of his relationships with his wife and son, Tom slowly comes to realize that he can never work again. If he is not a working man, who is he?
Mary Beth Keane’s Half Moon is the story of Malcolm and Jess. Malcolm is the handsome and gregarious longtime bartender at the Half Moon, and has always dreamed of owning a bar. When his boss finally retires, Malcolm stretches to buy the place. He hopes to transform it into a bigger success, but struggles to stay afloat. Jess has devoted herself to her law career. After years of trying for a baby, she is facing the idea that motherhood may not be in the cards for her. Like Malcolm, she feels her youth beginning to slip away and wonders how to reshape her future.
Andre Dubus III’s is the author of six books of fiction including his new novel, Such Kindness and two memoirs. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Fontaine, a modern dancer, and their three children.
Mary Beth Keane is the author of four novels, including Ask Again, Yes, which spent eight weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List and her new book, The Half Moon. She lives in New York.

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I dictate for a very rough draft. It helps me to get my ideas out of my head. Then i edit snd revise like crazy. I journal and i do morning pages all by pencil because i am so much more creative that way. (Read Kevin Kling from Minnesota who had a motorcycle accident snd lost use of his hand. He wrote a funny book about using dictation. )