2024 Oswald Series Review
On Mar. 19, 2024, USCA hosted a reading by Pulitzer Prize finalist Karen Russell as part of the Oswald Writers Series. Russell read from her short story “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves” After the event, audience members were given the opportunity to purchase copies of Russel’s books and have her sign books.
The reading portion of the event was hypnotizing. Russell has a captivating writing style, and I was instantly hooked into the plot of “St. Lucy’s Home.” Although the presentation was mainly focused on the reading, being able to experience such a brilliant author reading her work was an incredible experience, and I highly recommend attending the next Oswald Writers Series to experience the magic of attending a literature reading.
Following the reading, Russel answered audience questions. Although few students took advantage of this opportunity, hearing Russell engage with the audience was rewarding, as it allowed for a more intimate experience of her writing. In this portion of the event, Russell discussed her own personal connection to the reading and discussed themes that connected with the audience members who were willing to participate. Hearing an author discuss the themes of her own works was fascinating, and Russel was excellent at engaging the audience members who asked her questions.
When I joined the line for the book signing, I was just expecting to purchase a copy of “Vampires in the Lemon Grove” and have it signed. When I reached the table that Russell was stationed at, however, I was quickly launched—with the help of one of my professors—into a discussion of contemporary literature. This portion of the event proved itself to be surprisingly engaging as I was given the chance to discuss a class I took last semester with an award-winning author. My interaction with Russell was positive, with her expressing sincere interest in my opinions about literature4. Although I was already a fan of her writing, Russell invoked my
interest by remaining down to earth and friendly throughout our conversation. I was slightly nervous to meet an accomplished author, but within seconds was speaking to her as she was an old friend.
Although I may be slightly biased as an English major, I highly recommend attending the next Oswald Writers Series event. This year’s event, starring Karen Russell, was an incredible experience, and I pity anyone who was unable to attend. The text she chose for her reading was fascinating, and I was disappointed that it was not for sale at the book signing. Also, her question-and-answer session made me fall in love with her writing style all over again, as I was given explanations for why she writes in a style that engrosses me every time I am confronted by her writing. If you are at all interested in unique takes on mysticism, including the over used tropes of vampires and werewolves, then I cannot recommend Karen Russell enough, as “Vampires in the Lemon Grove” and “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves” are by far the most intriguing and unique takes on these two monsters that I have encountered.
