A ward- winning author Carla
Maria Sullwold of Brunswick will appear in the Morrell Meeting Room at Curtis Memorial Library at 7 p.m. Thursday to discuss her new novel, “Raising Rufus: A Maine Love Story.”
A release from Curtis Friends, which will host Sullwold’s talk, describes the book as a “tender and tragic semi-autobiographical love story about an older couple, their Newfoundland dog and their passion for the coast of Maine.”
Sullwold wrote “Raising Rufus,” her second work of fiction, after the sudden death of her husband of 40 years.
The novel “is the tale of Gus and Maria Sundergaard, who realize their dream of building their retirement home in Mid-coast Maine,” the release states. “Though deeply devoted to each other, their 40-year marriage has been sometimes plagued by demons and discord and by secrets hidden deep in Gus’ heart. Childless, they adopt a Newfoundland puppy, Rufus, and embark on a series of hilarious and heartwarming adventures together. Though tragedy looms ahead, Rufus helps to heal his family, celebrating with them a renewed love for each other and for the place they call home.”
Sullwold received the grand prize at the 2011 Rhode Island International Film Festival’s Screenplay Com- petition for her screenplay version of “Raising Rufus,” and, as a result, the festival will help market the film version of the book in 2012.
Born and raised in the metropolitan New York area, Sullwold received degrees from Sarah Lawrence College and Fairleigh Dickinson University. She began her career as a teacher and arts administrator before becoming a journalist, critic and author, known especially for her scholarly works on opera and classical music.
With her husband, Gregory, who handled the marketing, Sullwold established Weiala Press, which published several of her books.
“In 2009, she and Gregory realized a lifelong dream, moving to coastal Maine,” the release states.
Sullwold now shares her home in Brunswick with her cats and a new Newfoundland puppy, Ruffian. She is a member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance.
Admission to Thursday’s event is free. Refreshments will be available. Copies of “Raising Rufus” will be available for purchase and signing.
For more information, call 725-5242, email friends@curtislibrary.com or visit www.curtislibrary.com.
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