Shedding Light: Memoirs of Love, Loss, and Mental Illness

All PEN World Voices Festival tickets are non-refundable. Please confirm the time and location of your event before finalizing your purchase.

Join acclaimed authors Blake Butler and Jonathan Rosen for a thought-provoking conversation delving into their latest memoirs. Blake Butler, author of "Molly," and Jonathan Rosen, author of "The Best Minds," have each crafted powerful narratives exploring themes of love, loss, and the difficulties of supporting a loved one with mental illness. In "Molly," Butler navigates the complexity of grief surrounding the suicide of his wife, who struggled with mental health challenges. Rosen’s “The Best Minds” traces the mirroring life paths he and a childhood friend take, until the childhood friend who has schizophrenia, murders his girlfriend and is institutionalized. Through their poignant prose, Butler and Rosen offer readers a glimpse into the human condition, illuminating the profound impact that our loved ones can have on our lives. Join us for an engaging discussion led by moderator and New York Times bestselling author, Susan Shapiro, as Butler and Rosen explore their respective journeys of compassion, understanding, and the enduring power of literature to shed light on the darkest corners of the human experience.

The 2024 PEN World Voices Festival, the 20th anniversary of the festival, will be a celebration of world literature and free expression. Over four days, over 100 writers from nearly 30 countries will be featured in engaging talks, panels, readings, and performances in New York City and greater Los Angeles.

Visit for more information about the entire festival, as well as PEN America.

Joe's Pub is a fully ADA accessible venue.

ASL interpretation is available for this event by request only. Please reach out to our Box Office team at [email protected] by April 21st to request.

Please ask a Box Office Attendant or festival representative upon arrival for directions to accessible seating if preferred.

For further information on accessibility in this space, or to make a request, please contact [email protected]

While not required, per public health official guidelines, the World Voices Festival recommends being fully vaccinated, and wearing masks in all public indoor settings as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19, as well as around crowds.

If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the event. Reach out to [email protected] for assistance if you have already purchased a ticket.

We thank you for ensuring our speakers, guests and venue workers feel safe and comfortable at all World Voices Festival events. If you have questions or concerns please contact [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, New York, United States