About this Event
Author:
Join us for a special author event with debut novelist R.W. Fields, presenting his powerful coming-of-age novella The Mullet Man—a story inspired by real-life experiences in the 1950s Deep South.
Set in 1955, The Mullet Man tells the poignant story of an unlikely friendship between Ulysses, an elderly Black fisherman, and Richie, an 11-year-old white boy. What begins as a shared love of fishing grows into a meaningful bond that challenges the racial and social boundaries of the time. Through their connection, Richie begins to understand the realities of racism and prejudice, while Uly learns to trust across deeply ingrained divides.
Praised by Kirkus Reviews as a “vivid account about bigotry and friendship,” the book offers a heartfelt exploration of race, poverty, and human connection—topics that remain just as relevant today.
R.W. Fields brings a lifetime of experience to his writing. A former government scientist, Vietnam-era veteran, and businessman, Fields published his debut novel at the age of 82. Drawing from memories of his own childhood, he wrote The Mullet Man with the intention of sparking thoughtful, honest conversations about racism—both past and present.
This event offers an opportunity to hear directly from the author about the inspiration behind the book, the real-life experiences that shaped it, and the importance of dialogue in bridging divides. Attendees will gain insight into the enduring impact of friendship, the role of lived experience in storytelling, and how we can continue to learn from history.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Spiral Circle Bookstore & More, 750 North Thornton Avenue, Orlando, United States
USD 0.00
