By Jesse Fraga
Mitch Albom’s latest New York Times bestselling novel, “The Little Liar,” unravels the impact of lies and myths at the start of Germany’s invasion of Greece during the Holocaust.
The philanthropist, internationally acclaimed author, and journalist who began reporting at the now-defunct Queens Tribune, will discuss the book at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m., in partnership with the William and Jerry Ungar Holocaust Lectureship Endowment at Queens College Center for Judaic Studies.
“When we finish this story, you may say, ‘That was impossible,’” Albom’s website states. “But here is the funny thing about truth… the less real something seems, the more people want to believe it.”
It took hurdles of deception and revenge for an 11-year-old Jew, Nico Krispis – the main character – to realize this. The story follows Krispis and two other young survivors living in Salonika, Greece, as they dodge Nazi tactics closing in on the island.
When a German officer interrogated Krispis on the details of his tight-knit community, he couldn’t help but tell the truth.
“Moving beyond the horrors of war, seemingly insignificant events have far-reaching
consequences, leading to a stunning finale for these unforgettable characters,” Booklist
columnist Karen Clements stated in a review.
The story, narrated by the voice of Truth, reveals a unique perspective on myths and
misinformation spread by Germans to Jews.
Albom gained acclaim in 1997 for the memoir, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” which detailed the life of a former teacher with Lou Gehrig’s disease named Morrie Schwartz; the book was adapted into a movie in 1999.
Other award-winning novels include “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” “Have a Little Faith,” and “The Time Keeper,” to name a few.
While his past works explored life, heaven, and beliefs, this is a story of hope and forgiveness. “‘The Little Liar’ is a timeless story about the power of love to ultimately redeem us, no matter how deeply we blame ourselves for our mistakes,” Albom’s website states.
General admission tickets for the talk cost $36 for one seat, and $54 for two; both include a copy of the book. Sponsorship packages for multiple guests range from $180 to $540, and include signed copies of the book.
Advance registration is required at tbsroslyn.org. Temple Beth Sholom is located at 401 Roslyn Road in Roslyn Heights, phone: 516-621-2288.
