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Nadia Kalman's first novel is about a family with Russian roots. Kalman and her family are from the former Soviet Union. Her book's setting is Stamford. Kalman grew up in Stamford, moving here when she was in the fourth grade. The work explores relationships as a major theme. Kalman, who is divorced, often ponders questions about cultural and other influences on relationships. Needless to say, there's a lot of the author in her debut work.
Kalman will return to Stamford to discuss and sign copies of her book, "The Cosmopolitans," at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 at the Ferguson Library.
"I draw a lot on the physical parts of Stamford" in the novel, Kalman said. There also are references to downtown shopping district, and a few scenes take place in front of the Ferguson. Kalman worked as a library page while attending Stamford High School. "Some of [the novel] is sort of a mix of how it was growing up [in Stamford]. It's an interesting place to grow up, especially for an immigrant."
Now 35, Kalman is a 1997 graduate of Yale. She majored in comparative literature, became a teacher and co-founded Summit Academy, a New York charter school. There, she consults with teachers and helps with the writing component.
"The Cosmopolitans" centers on three daughters in a Russian immigrant family. "I was sort of inspired by the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof,'" said Kalman. A Borders review calls it a "warm and exuberantly comic debut" consisting of "equal parts Jane Austen and Gogol." Booklist describes it as a "rambunctious" treatment of "family life complicated by the trials of immigration." The New York Journal of Books proclaims it "smart, funny, wise and entertaining."
All are welcome to the discussion and book signing, which is free and open to the public.
Did you know Nadia Kalman when she was growing up in Stamford? What are your recollections of her? Do you plan to attend the book discussion? Questions or comments on this story? Contact Felicia at fhunter@mainstreetconnect.us.
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