Spring retreat at Prindle Institute to ponder issues raised by book ‘The Year We Left Home’

A March 27-28 retreat at DePauw’s Prindle Institute will examine Midwestern themes raised by Jean Thompson’s book, “The Year We Left Home.”’

Two ticket options are available for the retreat, which will take place March 27-28 at DePauw University’s Prindle Institute for Ethics. A full ticket ($125) includes all activities and meals for both days. A Saturday-only ticket is $65.

A 10 percent discount is available for those who register by Dec. 31 at https://greencastleweekendretreat.eventbrite.com.

The Weekend Retreat is part of Indiana Humanities’ One State / One Story statewide read of Thompson’s book in 2020. The retreat will kick off Friday evening, March 27, with a keynote talk, followed by a cocktail hour and dinner party inspired by the book.

The next day will offer talks probing the literary and historical contexts of the novel, breakout book discussions, and themed snacks and drinks. Teachers and librarians will be able to earn CEU/LEU credits.

Participants will receive a copy of “The Year We Left Home,” a welcome packet with supplementary background readings, signature One State / One Story swag as well as cocktails and meals throughout the weekend.

Confirmed speakers for the Weekend Retreat, sponsored by Visit Putnam County, include Jennifer Smith of Franklin College, Pamela Riney-Kehrberg of Iowa State University, Andy Oler of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Jackie Swihart of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and Liz Brownlee of the Hoosier Young Farmers Coalition.

“The Year We Left Home” retreat is part of Indiana Humanities two-year INseparable initiative, which encourages Hoosiers to explore real and perceived differences across urban, suburban and rural boundaries.

The book offers a complex view of urban, rural and suburban experiences in the American Midwest. Beginning in Iowa in 1973, the novel follows the Erickson family through the many changes affecting American life at the end of the 20th century.

From city rooftops to country farms, college campuses to small-town main streets, the characters in Thompson’s novel search for fulfillment and happiness in an ever-changing, often alienating country. The story asks readers to consider the enduring, uniting power of place — and what they consider to be home.

One State / One Story: The Year We Left Home is an Indiana Humanities program that invites Hoosiers to engage deeply with Jean Thompson’s novel, a sweeping, multigenerational look at life in the Midwest over the past several decades.

The program is part of Indiana Humanities’ two-year INseparable initiative, which encourages Hoosiers to explore real and perceived differences across urban, suburban and rural boundaries.