esi Bender is an artist from Upstate New York. She is the author of two novels, Child of Light and The Book of the Last Word, the play Kinderkrankenhaus, and a poetry collection Dangerous Women. In her free time, she runs KERNPUNKT Press, a home for experimental writing. www.jesibender.com

Synopsis – Thirteen-year-old Ambrétte Memenon has lived her entire life estranged from her family. After a series of financial failures, they reunite in upstate NY in the Spring of 1896. Together in the new house but basically strangers, Ambrétte endeavors to connect to her parents through their interests: Spiritualism for her Maman and electricity for her Papa. In her pursuit, Ambrétte is drawn into a deep abyss of the unknown as she learns more about both death and the invisible pulse of the human spirit.

This event will be a reading and conversation with moderator Jen Savran Kelly. We will discuss experimental literature, upstate New York history, Spiritualism, and the beginnings of electrical engineering.