Finding Echoes of the 1920s in the 2020s

Ann Leary will be at the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon, Conn., 24th Annual Summer Book Signing on Aug. 5, along with 29 other authors and illustrators. Photo submitted
The last time Ann Leary came to the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon’s Annual Summer Book Signing in Sharon, Conn., it was 2016, and her book, “The Children,” was earning kudos for its sharp, funny portrait of an uber-Wasp family and their inherited lakeside house, somewhere in northwest Connecticut.
In the six years since then, she and actor husband Denis sold their sprawling, longtime home in Roxbury, Conn., and moved to Bedford, N.Y., mainly to be closer to their two adult children, both successful television writers in New York City, while staying near enough to Litchfield County to visit old friends.
She also finished her fourth novel, “The Foundling,” about childhood friends from an orphanage who reconnect at a public asylum for morally unfit women —one an employee, the other an inmate.
The Washington Post calls the book “insanely fun” with “a hair-raising caper finale that recalls the nail-biting climaxes of ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption.’”
The New York Times reviewer was equally smitten, advising: “Book clubs, uncork your bottles.”
Set in 1920s rural Pennsylvania, “The Foundling” was inspired by Leary’s discovery, in a 1930 census record, that her mother’s mother had worked as a stenographer at a home for “feeble-minded women of childbearing age” when she was only 17.
“At its core, it’s a coming-of-age story, about friendship and loyalty,” Leary said recently, interviewed by phone. “But it’s also about women who don’t have the same rights in society as men do.”
Her Ancestry.com search for details about her grandmother, an orphan whose background remains a family mystery (“orphan records are hard to find”), led Leary down a rabbit hole of horrifying information about the eugenics movement of the early 20th century — and the so-called eugenics asylums that warehoused women of supposedly inferior mental ability and moral character until they reached menopause.
The purpose was to keep any babies “genetically predisposed” to becoming paupers and criminals from being born. In reality, this meant that any woman, usually poor, who didn’t fit societal norms — a reckless girl arrested at a speakeasy or one who had had an illegitimate child — could be committed for decades.
Mary Engle, the book’s heroine (based on Leary’s grandmother) is at first delighted with her job and unaware of the true nature of the institution. The place is beautiful. Her boss is a charismatic, highly accomplished woman doctor, seemingly dedicated to those in her care. But Mary’s feelings change when she realizes her old friend, Lillian, is confined there against her will.
Although Leary says she initially got pushback from young readers who wondered why Mary wasn’t more “woke,” the character is true to her time, prejudices and all. To the author, it was important for her to be authentic.
“She undergoes a journey of discovery about the place where she’s working, about the people she thinks are good, the people she thinks are righteous — and the people who aren’t.”
“The Foundling” is “a perfect beach read,” according to The Washington Post, even as it touches on unpleasant historical truths about racism and anti-immigrant sentiments. Yet there’s a political subtext: The Supreme Court’s bombshell reversal of Roe v. Wade came the same week it was published — making present-day parallels to a century ago, when the government had legal guardianship over all women, suddenly more striking.
In Leary’s opinion, most discussions about reproductive freedom seem to almost miss the point. “From the age of 21, when men are considered adults, we should be considered adults, too. If we don’t have the right to decide whether we are able to have children or not, then are we adults?”
Ann Leary is one of 30 acclaimed authors and illustrators signing copies of their new books at the 24th Annual Sharon Summer Book Signing on Friday, Aug. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a fundraiser for the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon.
Because of the ongoing library renovation, this year’s event is taking place next door, at the Sharon Historical Society, under the usual festive white tents.
Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online or at the entrance. For details, go to www.hotchkisslibraryofsharon.org/book-signing-2022/or call 860-364-5041.
Aerial view of The Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass.
Now is the perfect time to plan ahead for symphonic music this summer at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Here are a few highlights from the classical programming.
Saturday, July 5: Shed Opening Night at 8 p.m. Andris Nelsons conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra as Daniil Trifonov plays piano in an All-Rachmaninoff program. The Piano Concerto No. 3 was completed in 1909 and was written specifically to be debuted in the composer’s American tour, at another time of unrest and upheaval in Russia. Trifonev is well-equipped to take on what is considered among the most technically difficult piano pieces. This program also includes Symphonic Dances, a work encapsulating many ideas and much nostalgia.
On Sunday, July 6 at 2:30 p.m., the next master pianist, Yefim Bronfman, joins Andris Nelsons as he conducts the BSO in the Shed. Bronfman features in an All-Beethoven program. Hear the Leonore Overture No. 2 followed by the Piano Concerto No. 3, a deeply expressive work that highlights the lively interplay between the BSO strings, winds, and Bronfman’s piano. After intermission, experience the epic Symphony No. 5.
On Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons join pianist Seong-Jin Cho in celebrating the 150th birth year of Maurice Ravel. Expressive, sincere, and wonderful, Cho’s playing is bound to create a rich evening of music that includes “Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun” (Debussy), “Piano Concerto in G” (Ravel), “Piano Concerto for the Left Hand” (Ravel), and “La Mer” (Debussy).
On Sunday, July 13 at 2:30 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen will be a superb combination, along with the energetic young Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto. Kuusisto comes from distinguished musical lineage, and he’s equally captivating whether performing classical works or masterfully weaving Northern European folk melodies. The program includes “Tumblebird Contrails” (Gabriella Smith), “Violin Concerto” (Sibelius), and “Symphony No. 5” (Sibelius).
On Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons present the Piccini’s “Tosca,” with special guest singers Kristine Opolais, Seok Jong Baek, Bryn Terfel, Patrick Carfizzi and the entire Tanglewood Festival Chorus, with James Burton conducting. Expect an unforgettable evening in the Shed, with beauty and brilliance at full volume—star power layered on star power.
Beginning Thursday, July 24 at 8 p.m. in Ozawa Hall, the TMC Festival of Contemporary Music kicks off with Ortiz and the Mexican Tradition. This year’s festival runs through Monday, July 28 and features music of Mexican music educator and composer Gabriela Ortiz Torres, Carnegie Hall’s composer in residence for the 2025 season. This superb Festival within a Festival is a proverbial “Box of Chocolates”, where you never quite know what flavor is in the middle until you bite.
On Friday, July 25at 8 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons welcome Spanish-born violinist María Dueñas. At a mere 18 years old, Dueñas has already won the 2021 Menuhin Competition, including the audience award. The BBC also named her as its “New Generation Artist 2021-2023.” This program includes “Air,” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 (J.S. Bach), and “Adagio from Symphony No. 10” (Mahler) before Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto”,“Calm Sea”, and “Prosperous Voyage.”
On Sunday, July 27 at 2:30 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons welcome pianist Lang Lang.Lang Lang is squarely in the 100% not to be missed category, and this afternoon the audience will be indulged with “La Calaca” (Gabriela Ortiz) for string orchestra, Piano Concerto No. 2 (Saint-Saëna), and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6, Pastoral.”
On Saturday, August 16 at 8 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra join with German conductor and concert pianist Anna Handler and young Italian-German-American violinist Augustin Hadelich to present the Brahms’s “Tragic Overture,” “Symphony No. 4” (Schumann), andTchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. The constellation this evening looks to become especially bright, colorful, and passionate. Plan to come early and stay late.
On Sunday, August 17 at 2:30 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra welcomes conductor Dima Slobodeniouk, who was born in Moscow and settled in Finland.Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet is another musician not to miss; every appearance is fresh and lively. This program includes “Threnody (In Memory of Jan Sibelius)” by William Grant Still, “Piano Concerto No. 2” (Liszt), “Valse triste” (Sibelius), and “Symphony No. 3.” (Sibelius).
The 2025 Tanglewood season promises to be another exciting one. A quick note: the BSO has faced issues with ticket resellers posing as official sources and charging inflated prices. To avoid this, be sure to purchase tickets in advance only through bso.org.
SHARON — James H. Fox, resident of Sharon, passed away on May 30, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Hospital.
Born in New York, New York, to Herbert Fox and Margaret Moser, James grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. He spent his summers in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, where he developed a deep connection to the community.
James attended Millbrook School, Ripon College, and the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, Connecticut.
He proudly served in the Navy and his dedication to his craft led him to later own several restaurants, including the renowned Fox & Fox in Gaylordsville, and most recently, Panini Cafe in Kent. He went on to become a staple at the Cornwall Farmer’s Market, known for his delicious soups.
James lived in Sharon, for 20 years, where he cherished the serenity tending to the gardens and property. Perpetually in motion, he filled his days with gardening, tending his property, and engaging in hobbies such as collecting model cars, woodworking, and perfecting his culinary creations.He never hesitated to take on a new project, no matter the scope.Not many 82-year-olds can say they fully remodeled a bathroom single handedly.After a full day of work, one of his greatest joys was relaxing at the end of the day in front of the fireplace.
James is survived by his constant companion of 22 years, Kathie Dolan; his two sons; Adam Fox of Montpelier, Vermont and Emmett Fox of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; his brother, Tom Fox of Phoenix, Arizona; his brother-in-law, Gary Sarachan of St. Louis; and several nieces, including Sydney Fox Sarachan of St. Louis, Carrie Fox of Phoenix, and Amanda Fox of Columbus, Ohio. He also leaves behind his grandson, Aidan Fox of New Hampshire, extended family, Erin Dolan, Megan Mollica, Rory Dolan, his dog, Django, and his cat, William.
James will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His unique sense of humor and culinary excellence will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
All services are private.
FALLS VILLAGE — Richard Stone of Main Street passed away June 25, 2025, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington.
Born Feb. 12, 1942, in Ossining, New York, Richard was son of the late Howard Stone and Victoria (Smith) Stone.
He attended public schools in Ossining and then studied architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. After graduation he became a licensed architect.
Richard admired contemporary architecture by Corbusier, Philip Johnson, and Louis Kahn, but also many earlier and folk designs. His projects included re-erecting, at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the 18th century Chinese house “Yin Yu Tang”, and also restoration of the historic Delaware & Hudson office building in Albany, New York. Broad cultural interests led him to travel around the world, but especially in Caribbean lands and Latin America.
Long a resident of Falls Village, Richard had a concern for the built environment surrounding him. More importantly, he cherished neighbors, church, and friends near and far.
Richard is survived by his three brothers; Thomas of Peabody, Massachusetts, William of Canaan, New Hampshire, and Kenneth of Medford, Massachusetts, their wives, and many nieces, nephews, and step siblings.
A service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 484 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville, Connecticut, on Thursday, July 31, at 11:30 a.m.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.