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Author talk

"Silent Winds, Dry Seas" by Vinod Busjeet

2024-06-05 18:00:00 2024-06-05 19:00:00 America/New_York Author talk A sweeping novel that explores the intimate struggle for independence and success of a young descendant of Indian indentured laborers in Mauritius, a small multiracial island in the Indian Ocean. James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Wednesday, June 05
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2024-06-05 18:00:00 2024-06-05 19:00:00 America/New_York Author talk A sweeping novel that explores the intimate struggle for independence and success of a young descendant of Indian indentured laborers in Mauritius, a small multiracial island in the Indian Ocean. James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library

Beth Patridge Meeting Room

A sweeping novel that explores the intimate struggle for independence and success of a young descendant of Indian indentured laborers in Mauritius, a small multiracial island in the Indian Ocean.

In the 1950s, Vishnu Bhushan is a young boy yet to learn the truth beyond the rumors of his family’s fractured histories–an alliance, as his mother says, of two bankrupt families. In evocative chapters, the first two decades of Vishnu’s life in Mauritius unfolds with heart wrenching closeness as he battles to experience the world beyond, and the cultural, political, and familial turmoil that hold on to him.

Through gorgeous and precise language, "Silent Winds, Dry Seas" conjures the spirit and rich life of Mauritius, even as its diverse peoples live under colonial rule. Weaving the soaring hopes, fierce love, and heart-breaking tragedies of Vishnu’s proud Mauritian family together with his country’s turbulent path to gain independence, Busjeet masterfully evokes the epic sweep of history in the intimate moments of a boy’s life.

"Silent Winds, Dry Seas" is a poetic, powerful, and universal novel of identity and place, of the legacies of colonialism, of tradition, modernity, and emigration, and of what a family will sacrifice for its children to thrive.

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library

kpayne@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1705
Fax: 703.746.1785
Branch manager
Kayla Selsky

Hours
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We're closed Thursday November 27 due to Thanksgiving Day
We're closed Friday November 28 due to Day After Thanksgiving Day
Mon, Nov 24 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Nov 25 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Nov 26 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Nov 27 Closed
(Thanksgiving Day)
Fri, Nov 28 Closed
(Day After Thanksgiving Day)
Sat, Nov 29 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Nov 30 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

Parking: There is a small lot with 9 spaces.  On street parking is available.

Public Transit:

  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1.3 miles) and King Street Stations (1.5 miles)
  • Metrobus: A11, A12
  • DASH Bus: 33

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jgregorio@alexlibraryva.org or call 703.746.1701 or TTY 703.746.1790.

Upcoming Events

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Wed, Dec 03, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
¡Únase a nosotros para una introducción básica gratuita a las computadoras y cómo hacer un currículum! (Join us for a free basic introduction to computers and how to make a resume!)

Mon, Dec 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
The Friends of Duncan Library's Board Members discuss the Duncan Branch activities, fund raising actives supporting the Duncan Branch programs, collection needs and Alexandria Library community goals.

Wed, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
¡Únase a nosotros para una introducción básica gratuita a las computadoras y cómo hacer un currículum! (Join us for a free basic introduction to computers and how to make a resume!)

Thu, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us at "The Company of Books", where we discuss what we're currently reading. Bring something to write with, you are always going to leave with a list of things to add to your TBR pile!

Thu, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Using fresh pine branches, berries, and bows, create a dazzling seasonal wreath to decorate your space! ❄️ ADULTS ONLY ❄️
This event is full

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Sat, Dec 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
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Wed, Dec 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
¡Únase a nosotros para una introducción básica gratuita a las computadoras y cómo hacer un currículum! (Join us for a free basic introduction to computers and how to make a resume!)

Thu, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Using fresh pine branches, berries, and bows, create a dazzling seasonal wreath to decorate your space! ❄️ ADULTS ONLY ❄️
This event is full