The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘Lilac Girls’ author joins Ferriday celebration
BETHLEHEM >> A special day celebrating the work of social philanthropist Caroline Ferriday, the inspiration for New York Times bestselling author Martha Hall Kelly’s novel, “Lilac Girls,” at her Connecticut home, will be held Saturday, June 10.
The book is based on the true story of Caroline Ferriday and the Ravensbrück Concentration Camp survivors known as lapin (rabbits), whom Caroline championed. This acclaimed debut novel, also available on audiobook, reveals a story of love, redemption and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades.
Guests can experience the Hay, Caroline’s beloved Connecticut home, through her eyes as they tour her house and enjoy a landscape walk focusing on the Ferridays’ horticultural design and garden history between 1 and 3 p.m. Ferriday and her mother designed the garden to feature the sequential blooming of specimen magnolias, lilacs, peonies, and roses. Author Martha Hall Kelly. Meet Martha Hall Kelly in the kitchen and have her sign your book.
From 3 to 5 p.m., guests can enjoy a French-inspired reception catered by Carol Peck’s Good News Café followed by an author presentation and panel discussion. Martha will discuss Lilac Girls, including her research process, and where she took artistic license. Kelly will also provide insight on her next Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden will host a celebration of the life of Caroline Ferriday on June 10. book about Caroline and her mother Eliza.
Joining Kelly on the panel are Tovah Martin, the former garden writer at Victoria Magazine whose 1999 article first introduced her to the house; Stacey Fitzgerald, a documentary filmmaker who shot a short video about how “Lilac Girls: A Novel” came to be, while she shot footage for her upcoming documentary Saving the Rabbits (the story behind Lilac Girls); and cousins of Caroline Ferriday who remember her fondly.
Tickets range from $35 to $125, with limited availability. Tickets for the Lilac Girls tours and book signing are $35; tickets for the reception and author presentation are $55; day passes are $75; and Patron tickets are $125, which includes day pass, tax-deductible donation, and signed copy of Lilac Girls. Purchase tickets by Friday, June 2 by visiting www.ctlandmarks.org or calling 860-247-8996 x 23. All proceeds benefit the BellamyFerriday House & Garden. For more information on Martha Hall Kelly and her work, visit www.marthahallkelly.com. The Lilac Girls event is sponsored by Connecticut Explored.
The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden is located at 9 Main Street North, Bethlehem. It is open for tours May through October.