Timothy Schaffert will read from his new novel, The Swan Gondola, at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, in a free reading at Prairie Lights Books in downtown Iowa City. The reading also will be streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website.

The Swan Gondola is a lush and thrilling romantic fable about two lovers set against the scandalous burlesques, midnight séances, and aerial ballets of the 1898 Omaha World's Fair. The Publishers Weekly review states “Schaffert’s picture of the fair is enchanting, from the buildings that shimmer with ‘shattered glass that had been dusted over the whitewash’ to the midway attractions, including a theatre where Cecily and Ferret briefly hang from wires and dance in midair. There are many romantic and historical delights here. It’s easy to imagine this charming novel attaining Water for Elephants–like popularity with readers.”

Schaffert grew up on a farm in Nebraska and now lives in Omaha. He is the author of The Coffins of Little Hope, Devils in the Sugar Shop, The Singing and Dancing Daughters of God, and The Phantom Limbs of the Rollow Sisters. He teaches creative writing and literature at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to attend this reading, call Jan Weissmiller at Prairie Lights in advance at 319-337-2681.

For a UI arts calendar and details about upcoming events visit the Arts Iowa website.