Virtual Author Talk: Colum McCann & Diane Foley

Join us for a one-of-a-kind conversation with New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award-winner Colum McCann joined by Diane Foley, the inspiration behind his heartrending book American Mother.

American Mother is the story of Diane Foley, the mother of Jim, a freelance journalist captured and beheaded by ISIS in 2014, an image that became one of the most iconic of the 21st century. Seven years later, Diane spent three days with the murderer of her son in a Virginia courthouse, inspiring her to tell her life story. What unfolds is one of the most compelling narratives in recent literary history, channeled into searing reality by Colum McCann, who brings us on a journey of strength, resilience, and radical empathy.

About the Authors

Colum McCann is the author of seven novels, three collections of stories, and two works of non-fiction. Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, he has been the recipient of many international honors. American Mother, his first major non-fiction book, comes out in March 2024.

Diane M. Foley is the mother of five children, including American freelance conflict journalist James W. Foley. She founded the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation in September 2014, less than a month after his public execution and has led efforts to fund the start of Hostage US and the International Alliance for a Culture of Safety, ACOS.

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This is part of a series of author talks in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.  See all upcoming talks here.

The Author Talks series is made possible by Friends of the Library.