Writer Francine Prose Comes to U.Va.

Acclaimed novelist Francine Prose, the English department’s Rea visiting writer in fiction, will give an informal talk on the craft of fiction Nov. 3 and read from her work Nov. 5. Both programs are free and open to the public at 8 p.m. in the U.Va. Bookstore.

Prose’s novel, “Blue Angel,” which lampoons academic life, was a finalist for the 2000 National Book Award. Among her other works of fiction are “Guided Tours of Hell,” “Hunters & Gatherers” and “A Peaceable Kingdom.”

She’s also written nonfiction and children’s books and is a frequent reviewer and essayist for national publications. “The Lives of the Muses,” her biographical study of nine women and artists they inspired, was published last year.