Author to speak on debut novel focused on Saudi women

Kay Hardy Campbell is a scholar on
the Middle East, who now lives in Maine

WAYNE — Maine author and Middle East specialist Kay Hardy Campbell will be the guest of Wayne’s Cary Library for the Meet-A-Maine-Author Series. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18.

Campbell will discuss changes currently facing Saudi women as well as her new novel “A Caravan of Brides,” set in Saudi Arabia. The talk will offer perspectives on current changes facing Saudi women, including the recent ruling that will officially permit them to drive starting in June.

Campbell is a graduate in Middle Eastern studies from the University of Minnesota and earned a master’s degree from Harvard University and an MBA from Northwestern University.

“A Caravan of Brides” is a historical novel set in the world Saudi women. Kirkus Reviews gave it a starred review noting, “Campbell’s masterful debut novel delivers a story that matches up flawlessly with real-life aspects of Middle Eastern culture, geography, and history … a mesmerizing Middle Eastern tale from beginning to end.” Copies of this book will be available for purchase.

All are welcome to this free program. Wayne’s Cary Library is located at 17 Old Winthrop Road, just off Route 133 in downtown Wayne. The library is handicapped accessible. For more information, visit the library’s website, www.cary-memorial.lib.me.us or call 207-685-3612.