Long Beach Library Hosts "Boy From The North Country" Author For Conversation

LONG BEACH, NY. — Long Beach Public Library will play host to a new perspective on a music icon Tuesday night as author Sam Sussman appears to talk about his debut novel, “Boy From The North Country,” in conversation with Long Beach librarian Ali Blau.

Inspired by a magazine piece titled, “The Silent Type: On (Possibly) Being Bob Dylan’s Son,” “Boy From The North Country” tells the story of Evan, a 26-year-old who returns from his life abroad to see his mother, who long ago had a tumultuous romantic relationship with recording artist Bob Dylan. During the events of the novel, Dylan is writing his 1975 album, "Blood On The Tracks," which initially met mixed reviews before going on to sell two million copies and earn a double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

As the story progresses, Evan’s mother falls ill and he cares for her, and she begins revealing truths about both their lives to her now-adult son. The book, its publishers say, is “inspired by the author’s own uncertain celebrity paternity,” but also concerns, “an emotionally searing meditation on the most essential human themes: loss, healing, memory, and the redemptive power of love.”

“He got lots of really good reviews on it, it’s his debut novel, and a lot of people have called it the best mother-son novel that they’ve ever read,” Librarian Sarah Siegel said. “A lot of people seem to have enjoyed that relationship that he writes about in the book.”

Siegel said the conversation came together after a staff member at the library messaged Sussman on Instagram.

“One of our librarians knows I’m always looking for authors, and she had read this book and thought it was unique and special,” Siegel said. “And she messaged him on Instagram, and asked, ‘do you ever come to libraries?’ And he said, ‘yeah, sure, I wouldn’t mind coming.’ He lives upstate a bit, and he’s spending time up there, and he said, sure, he’d drive down and come visit with us.”

While the conversation will be the main attraction Tuesday night, Siegel said the library will also host a question-and-answer section of the discussion before moving to a book sale and signing with the author. Registration isn’t required to attend, but Siegel said, “it is appreciated, just so that we know how many people to plan for.”

The evening will also feature selections from the library’s vinyl record collection, which includes some Bob Dylan records. The author conversation is free to attend and open to the public, and interested patrons can register at this link.