Science vs Fiction: Marlon James on Moon Witch, Spider King

Join us to welcome and celebrate award-winning author Marlon James and his new book Moon Witch, Spider King, the second installment in his acclaimed Dark Star trilogy—his self-described “African Game of Thrones”.

For the celebration of this epic book, James will be joined in conversation by author, astrophysicist, and Pioneer Works Director of Sciences Janna Levin, to discuss fiction, speculation, and fantasy.

Moon Witch, Spider King brings us deep into the world of Sogolon, the Moon Witch, as she endeavors to find a mysterious missing boy. The journey takes us to new truths about the Moon Witch and the world.

Dark Star is not a linear trilogy; rather, each book is a very different version of the same story. Moon Witch, Spider King stands on its own as mythic and “deliciously obscene” (San Francisco Chronicle).

Books will be available for sale at the event and a book signing with Marlon James will follow the conversation.

Join us before and after the conversation for beats and rare grooves from Riobamba.

Marlon James is the author of the New York Times bestselling National Book Award finalist Black Leopard, Red Wolf, the Booker Prize–winning A Brief History of Seven Killings, and The Book of Night Women and John Crow’s Devil. In addition to the Booker Prize, his novels have won the American Book Award, the Los Angeles Times’ Ray Bradbury Prize for Science Fiction, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Born in Jamaica, James lives in New York City.

Janna Levin is the Director of Sciences and the editor-in-chief of The Broadcast at Pioneer Works. She is also a professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a PEN-award winning novelist. She is the presenter of the NOVA feature Black Hole Apocalypse, aired on PBS—the first female presenter for NOVA in 35 years. Her latest book is Black Hole Survival Guide.

Space is limited for this event, so please note that the RSVPs are restricted to two tickets per person. We want to welcome everyone and will do our best to accommodate our audience, although we regret that an RSVP cannot guarantee entry. We encourage you to come early to secure a seat or a spot.

In accordance with the New York City mandate, Key to NYC, visitors (age 12+) must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter Pioneer Works at Red Hook Labs. Be prepared to show your proof of vaccination upon arrival at Red Hook Labs. Please review our updated Health and Safety Policy here.

This program is made possible by Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation initiative dedicated to engaging everyone with the process of science.

The PW Broadcast is supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Program in Public Understanding of Science and Technology, bridging the two cultures of science and the arts.