The Gazette Book Club heads to Italy with ‘Villa Coco’

The Gazette Book Club's August selection is “Villa Coco” by Andrew Sean Greer – the 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner for Fiction. Readers are invited to join the discussion Sunday, Aug. 30, at 5 p.m. at SKYKING Pizza.

Greer's latest novel, released in June, follows an aspiring archivist who heads to the Italian countryside determined to begin a more "serious" life after an unremarkable college career. Instead, he finds himself serving as the all-purpose assistant to the Baronessa – known to her friends simply as Coco – a flamboyant, fiercely youthful 92-year-old surrounded by gin-swilling princesses, eccentric handymen, boar hunters, nuns and a colorful cast of locals.

Tasked with cataloging the villa's priceless collection of art and antiques, the young archivist soon notices that objects have a mysterious way of disappearing. As he navigates an unexpected romance and Coco embarks on one final quest to reunite with the love of her life, “Villa Coco” unfolds as a witty, sun-soaked celebration of love, reinvention and the joy of embracing life at any age.

The evening will allow us to soak up the last moments of summer together, featuring themed drinks, Italian snacks and activities inspired by the novel, along with a lively discussion of the book. Whether you've read every page or are just looking for a fun evening with fellow readers, all are welcome to attend.

Bring a friend, grab a drink and join us as we escape to the Italian countryside for an unforgettable evening with “Villa Coco.”