Why Leave America for Slovenia?

Ask Author Erica Debeljak

Sunday, May 16, Euclid Library

Why did American writer Erica Johnson leave behind a successful career to pursue Ales Debeljak, an important Slovenian poet? And how did she make the transition from life in New York City to a new Slovenian family in Ljubljana? In her new book, Forbidden Bread, Erica Johnson Debeljak tells an unusual love story that covers great territory, both geographically and emotionally.

Join the Slovenian National Library on Sunday, May 16, as Erica Johnson Debeljak gives her uniquely American point of view about living, loving and raising a family in Slovenia at Euclid Library, 615 East 222nd Street in Euclid, Ohio, at 2:00 p.m.

Erica uses her own story as the backdrop for Slovenia's story, with its tumultuous history and rich, poetry-filled culture. From her battles with power-abusing bureaucrats, to worries about bombs falling on her wedding day, to ethnic jokes and fussing in-laws, Erica provides layers of detail that let the reader really understand what it would be like to live in Slovenia. This is arm-chair travel at its best—a trip to the true heart of a country.

Join Erica Debeljak Sunday at Euclid Library. She will have copies of her memoir, Forbidden Bread, available for autographs.

Joe Valencic

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