Turning Family Stories into a Historical Novel with Christine Kessides

Описание: Christine Fallert Kessides, author of the recently published debut novel Magda, Standing, discusses how she took fragments of family lore to create a well-grounded story of German immigrants in the era of the Great War and the Spanish flu. After reviewing her family genealogy and reflecting on some of her relatives’ history as German immigrants, Christine was inspired to write Magda, Standing—a novel that may resonate with multiple generations –-seniors who may recall their own grandparents talking about World War I, while younger audiences may relate to the teenage protagonist. The story takes place in Pittsburgh in the years 1916-1919. It centers on a 16-year-old girl, Magda, who has to leave school to care for her ill mother and little brother. Faced with the looming Great War and a global pandemic (Spanish flu), Magda embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads her back to embracing her family and caring for a wider community. Christine was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Before she retired, she was a policy analyst for the World Bank. Since then, she has served on the board and as grant committee co-chair for Giving Together.

This Speaker Series event was hosted by Chevy Chase At Home and moderated by Chevy Chase At Home Board Member, Deborah Scheck.

March 13, 2024