Carothers to deliver public talk about KU Common Book

LAWRENCE — James Carothers has been teaching people about “A Farewell to Arms” and its central character, a young American ambulance driver in World War I, since he first came to the University of Kansas in 1970.

In the first event celebrating the 2015-16 KU Common Book, Carothers, professor of English, will deliver a public talk about the novel and its protagonist, Lt. Frederic Henry.

His presentation, “’Yes,’ I lied. ‘I Love You.’ The Confessions of Frederic Henry,” is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union. The event is free and open to the public, and tickets are not required. Carothers will take questions from the audience, and a reception will follow the discussion.

 “I was delighted when I learned that ‘A Farewell to Arms’ had been chosen as our Common Book for this year,” Carothers said. “I read it first when I was 18 and have been re-reading it ever since. I am glad to talk about it anytime, anywhere, but I am especially pleased at the opportunity to present this lecture.” 

Carothers’ research focuses on modern American novels and short stories, especially the fiction of William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway. He also studies American humorists, modernism and baseball in American literature.

“Jim is known to his colleagues as an absolutely dedicated teacher who has devoted a long career to educating and mentoring students,” said Marta Caminero-Santangelo, professor of English, who will introduce Carothers at the event. “He embodies absolute expertise in his subject, dedication to student learning and success, rigorous standards and a positive and inspirational attitude.”

For more information about KU Common Book events, visit the First-Year Experience website at firstyear.ku.edu.