By GINNY COOPER / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO—Margaret Wrinkle, Birmingham native and author of the award-winning novel “Wash,” will speak at Eclipse Coffee and Books in Montevallo on April 9 at 4 p.m.

“Wash,” Wrinkle’s first novel, is the story of Richardson, a Revolutionary War veteran, who forces Wash, a young man he owns, to work as his breeding sire. As the story progresses, Wash struggles with his position, and meets a healer named Pallas “who inspires him to forge a new understanding of his heritage and his place in it,” according to the author’s website.

“Wash” was named as the 2013 Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize from New York City’s Center for Fiction, and was also listed as one of the Wall Street Journal’s 10 Best Novels of 2013.

“Haunting, tender and superbly measured, ‘Wash’ is both redemptive and affirming,” The New York Times wrote of the novel.

The Montevallo branch of AAUW, the American Association of University Women, will sponsor Wrinkle’s visit as part of their annual celebration of books by Alabama authors whose works deal with issues of special concern to AAUW members and their families.

Elaine Hughes, professor emeritus at the University of Montevallo and AAUW for over 40 years, said that Wrinkle’s novel fits perfectly with AAUW’s theme of the year, which focuses on the development of different attitudes and perspectives in regards to civil rights and immigration.

“This book just seemed to fit our theme,” Hughes said, who also touted Wrinkle’s public speaking skills. “She is very articulate, and she has a very interesting background.”

Wrinkle will speak about the novel and read excerpts from the book for approximately an hour, before opening the floor to Q&A. A book signing and reception will follow the presentation.

The event is free and open to the public.