Fairfield's 'One Book' Retells Titanic Tale

Fairfield, get ready to read.

The selection for the fifth “One Book, One Town” is about a story we’ve all heard before -- but never in the way it’s been told in this novel.

“The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic,” by Allan Wolf, tells the story of the sinking of the Titanic from the perspective of 24 different beings involved that fateful night: from the crew to the first class elite, the members of the third class to a rat aboard the ship; and even the iceberg itself.

Town Librarian Karen Ronald said the “One Book, One Town” committee decided, after months of difficult choices, on Wolf’s novel because it is “richly texturized,” and will “keep people hooked, and surprise with format.”

Participants have until the end of March to read the novel, which is just over 430 pages, followed by a section of notes from the author. Between now and the ultimate One Book, One Town event on March 26, when author Allan Wolf will speak at the Quick Center for the Arts, readers can enjoy many related programs put on by the library to enhance their read.

Those programs include:

• A writing contest: the theme is “Voices from the Past,” and submissions will be accepted at the Fairfield Public Library from Jan. 1 through Jan. 31.
• A day-long program presented by Mystic Seaport.
• Movies, lectures, and “readers’ theatre”

And more – check out the library’s “One Book, One Town” blog for more details as they come.

Why does Fairfield participate in this nationwide program?

“Because we believe in reading,” Ronald said.

Copies of the book can be purchased at the Fairfield University Bookstore, at the main library, or any of the branch libraries.