Literary Sojourn Book Discussion
We Sinners
- Main Library 2nd Floor
About the Book
The Rovaniemis and their nine children belong to a deeply traditional church (no drinking, no dancing, no TV) in modern-day Michigan. A normal family in many ways, the Rovaniemis struggle with sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and forming their own unique identities in such a large family. But when two of the children venture from the faith, the family fragments and a haunting question emerges: Do we believe for ourselves, or for each other? Each chapter is told from the distinctive point of view of a different Rovaniemi, drawing a nuanced, kaleidoscopic portrait of this unconventional family. The children who reject the church learn that freedom comes at the almost unbearable price of their close family ties, and those who stay struggle daily with the challenges of resisting the temptations of modern culture. With precision and potent detail, We Sinners follows each character on their journey of doubt, self-knowledge, acceptance, and, ultimately, survival.
About the author
Hanna Pylväinen is the author of the novels We Sinners, which received the Whiting Award and the Balcones Fiction Prize, and The End of Drum-Time, a finalist for the 2023 National Book Award in fiction.
About the Club
The Literary Sojourn Author Study is a book discussion series designed to enhance the experience of reading our festival authors. Bud Werner Library provides book copies on loan for each group discussion. All of the discussion titles are also available in audio and e-book formats. These discussions are designed for moderation and mingling with members of the Literary Sojourn organizing committee as we dive into select fiction, memoir and nonfiction titles by our featured authors. Open to anyone interested in participating, discussions are designed to be inclusive, supportive and meet the needs and interests of the group. Choose to join in for one or all the conversations as participants read and gather to talk about works from each of the year's featured writers.
Learn more about Literary Sojourn, all this year's authors, and their complete reading lists at www.literarysojourn.org.