Ann Patchett w/ Roy Eisenhardt

Ann Patchett is best known for her award-winning novel Bel Canto, “a book that works both as a paean to art and beauty and a subtly sly comedy of manners” (New York Times). She is also the author of the novels Run, The Patron Saint of Lair’s, State of Wonder, and The Magician’s Assistant, and the memoir The Getaway Car.In Commonwealth, Patchett’s much-anticipated new novel, an unexpected romantic encounter irrevocably changes the lives of two Southern California families. The book explores disillusionment, guilt, and deeply loyal friendships. Patchett lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is co-owner of Parnassus Books, a popular independent bookstore.

Roy Eisenhardt practiced law for twelve years in San Francisco. He was President of the Oakland Athletics and served as the Executive Director for the California Academy of Sciences. He teaches at UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law. His many past interviews for City Arts & Lectures include General Colin Powell, Oliver Sacks, Desmond Tutu, Linda Ronstadt, and Doris Kearns Goodwin.