The 2014 Annual Book Review & Luncheon
Featuring a World Premier Dramatization by Barbara Rinella:
The Traitor’s Wife
The Woman Behind Benedict Arnold
and the Plan to Betray America
by Allison Pataki
The #1 New York Times Bestseller
Barbara Rinella can’t wait to bring to life this powerful, new, historical fiction!
This is the very first novel by brilliant Allison Pataki, the daughter of former Governor Pataki of New York. Allison grew up in the Hudson Valley and often walked her dogs along the path taken by Benedict Arnold as he fled from George Washington to the British warship Vulture! What was the role of the beautiful Philadelphia socialite, Peggy Shippen, who loved to party with the British officers during the American Revolution? How will this strong-willed 18 year old beauty react to 37 year old Benedict Arnold, the Patriot’s war hero, when he comes to Philly as the Military Governor under General Washington and drives the British out? How must one react to the comment she makes to her well behaved sister, Betsy, after meeting Arnold? Peggy says,“If you can’t break the rules, you might as well seduce the man who makes them.” (p.154)
This will be a dramatization of some of the most poignant events of the American Revolution. Not only will Peggy Shippen come to life to share her story, but you will also get to know her dear, sweet, innocent “ladies’ maid” Clara Bell. How will Clara, a sheltered, farm girl from rural Pennsylvania, react to the opulent mansion, the dignified manners and attitudes of prominent Judge and Mrs. Shippen and their two daughters.? Will Clara be nurtured by their many servants as life evolves in an “upstairs/downstairs” scenario? How will all the Shippen staff respond to the visit of General George Washington himself? Will naïve Clara be able to put pieces of life’s strange puzzle together to make sense of the world that is unfolding before her eyes and ears?
Don’t be a traitor…come hear this story! 
Peggy Shippen and daughter
When:
Friday September 5, 2014
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM CDT
11:00 AM Arrival
12:00 PM Luncheon
1:00 PM Barbara Rinella Book Dramatization
Contact
Margaret M. Wenzel
(773) 262-6622 x244
mwenzel@howardarea.org
Howard Area Community Center
7648 N. Paulina Street
Chicago, Illinois 60626
www.howardarea.org
The Traitor's Wife.
“ “A most impressive debut.” (Philippa Gregory)
“One of the best, best, best historical novels, I was riveted…I couldn’t put it down." (Kathie Lee Gifford, The TODAY Show)
"Pataki smoothly weaves intrigue and personality with critical historical facts...Historical fiction lovers will look forward to more from this promising new novelist." (Publisher's Weekly)
“A well-balanced narrative… events offers fresh perspective, plenty of intrigue and a host of interesting, multidimensional characters." (Kirkus (starred review))
"If you read one book this year, make it Allison Pataki's THE TRAITOR'S WIFE. Few authors have taken on America's Revolutionary War so convincingly, and this story of Benedict Arnold's wife will appeal to lovers of historical fiction everywhere. Highly, highly recommended!" (Michelle Moran, international bestselling author of Madame Tussaud)
"Allison Pataki's captivating debut novel examines history’s most famous tale of treachery through a woman's eyes. Meticulously written and well-researched, this story will transport you back to the American Revolution and keep you turning pages with both its intrigue and love story. The Traitor's Wife is a well-told tale." (Lee Woodruff, author, blogger and television personality)
"I consider this to be the debut of a major writer of historical fiction." (Mary Higgins Clark)
Tickets to the 2014 Book Luncheon and Dramatization are $50 each and non-refundable. Tickets may be purchased in person at Howard Area Community Center, by mail (check made payable to: Howard Area Community Center; attn: Margaret Wenzel, Howard Area Community Center, 7648 N. Paulina Street Chicago, IL 60626) or by clicking on the TICKET PURCHASE LINK below.
Tickets must be purchased by August 25th. No tickets will be available at the door on the day of the performance.
Money raised supports Howard Area Community Center and its mission to assist low-income individuals and families in and near Rogers Park to stabilize their lives and develop the skills necessary to become productive community members. If you are unable to join us for the Luncheon this year, please consider making a donation to support the life-changing programs of Howard Area Community Center.
Thank you for your support!
Ticket Purchase
RAFFLE TICKETS:
The 2014 Book Luncheon will again feature our popular Raffle. Please note that raffle winners need not be present to participate. Unfortunately we will not be able to sell raffle tickets online.
To purchase Raffle Tickets, please contact Margaret Wenzel at
(773) 262-6622 Ext. 244 or by email: mwenzel@howardarea.org.
RAFFLE TICKET PRICE:
1 Ticket for $15 or 3 Tickets for $40
RAFFLE PRIZES:
1st Prize Michael Kors Weston Midnight Blue Satchel Value $350.00
2nd Prize Tiffany & Co. Villa Paloma Flower Silver Pendant Value: $150.00
3rd Prize Hard copy of The Traitor’s Wife by Allison Pataki and $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate Value: $77.59
Can't make it this year to the Book Luncheon? Please consider donating to Howard Area Community Center! Every donation helps change a life!