Given the stress we have all felt as the world deals with the Covid-19 virus, it seems appropriate to interweave two ideas: work written during the time of plague or that includes the idea of plague as part of its content, with that most enduring aspect of human experience: love. Relax, pour yourself a glass of wine, read, think, and turn on your computer for a stimulating series of discussions!

All sessions will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Copies of the books have been reserved for those participating in the discussions, and can be picked up at the front dest of West End Library without first reserving the book in the normal way. The sessions will be held over WebEx, and access will be provided for those who are not members of West End Library Friends by My T. Nguyen at the library. Email: my.nguyen@dc.gov

In what is considered the definitive Italian novel of the nineteenth century, set during the time of the 1628-30 plague, a pair of young lovers—Renzo and Lucia—lose each other to circumstances, but finally end up together, in spite of all of the natural and man-made odds pushing against their happiness. The novel was and is particularly renowned for its description of the plague in chapters 31-33!