Songs for the Butcher’s Daughter
Thursday, October 16 2008
by Frank Stasio and Katy Barron
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Author Peter Manseau has an unusual life story, which he wrote about in his 2005 acclaimed memoir, “Vows: The Story of a Priest, a Nun, and Their Son.” Now, he’s published his first novel. It too is steeped in religion, but not the one you would expect from a lapsed Catholic. “Songs for the Butcher’s Daughter” (Free Press/2008) is the action-packed life story of Itsik Malpesh, the last Yiddish poet in America. It is a lesson in Jewish history, an ode to language and a heart-warming love story. And it’s already getting lauded. The book is a finalist for the 2008 John Sargent First Novel prize. Peter Manseau joins host Frank Stasio to talk about his debut novel.
