Barnes & Noble Presents Absolution by Alice McDermott as Their November 2023 National Book Club Selection

 Barnes & Noble announces Absolution as their November National Book Club pick and welcomes readers to join author Alice McDermott at a free live virtual event. The author will be in conversation with Shannon DeVito, Senior Director of Books at Barnes & Noble, and Miwa Messer, Executive Producer of Poured Over, the B&N Podcast, to discuss the title as well as answer questions from audience members. Attendees must register via Eventbrite to access the livestream on Zoom. 

“Alice McDermott’s latest novel is a quiet triumph, shedding light on an untold part of American history,” said Lexie Smyth, Category Manager for Fiction, Barnes & Noble. “McDermott places the American wives stationed in Saigon during the early stages of the Vietnam war at the forefront. I cannot stop thinking about this book, and all the questions it raised for me. I’m so excited for readers to pick up this richly layered novel which is sure to inspire many discussions of intentions versus impact, and the cost of “doing good”.” 
 
Absolution is a riveting account of women’s lives on the margins of the Vietnam War, from the renowned winner of the National Book Award, Alice McDermott. In her latest novel, two women — two wives — reflect on their tumultuous time spent in Saigon during America’s interference in the Southeast during 1963.

The Barnes & Noble Book Club selects a newly published work of fiction each month, chosen by their booksellers to provoke, engage and enthrall book lovers. The Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition of Absolution features a unique cover and exclusive afterword. Leading up to the event, readers can share their thoughts and engage in conversation on social media using the hashtag #BNBookClub. During the livestream, readers are encouraged to participate in the discussion and submit questions to be answered throughout.  
 
"Is it hyperbole to say that book clubs — those bright centers of calm, intelligent discussion — will save civilization? I don’t think so,” said Alice McDermott. “Which is why I am so grateful that Barnes & Noble has chosen to make Absolution a part of these genial, ongoing, and oh so essential conversations about books"

The enthusiasm and word-of-mouth recommendations of Barnes & Noble booksellers across the country have sparked ardent praise from readers nationwide, turning great novels into bestsellers. Previous Barnes & Noble Book Club selections have included: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller, The Night Ship by Jess Kidd, The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, The Testaments by Margaret Atwood, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle, Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin and The Cloisters by Katy Hays.   

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