Hearth: Global Conversation on Community and Identity

Edited by Susan O’Connor and Annick Smith, the multicultural anthology explores the enduring significance of the hearth in our world, while also highlighting its changing associations. The hearth holds various meanings: a space for reflection, a symbol of identity, a shared experience, a repository of personal and domestic history. It represents the unchanging point to which we return, yet it is also mobile and adaptable. In the midst of environmental shifts, global migration, humanitarian crises, and technological disruptions, the hearth emerges as the perfect metaphor for our modern quest for stability and connection.

The anthology includes writings from renowned authors such as Terry Tempest Williams, Bill McKibben, Pico Iyer, Natasha Trethewey, Luis Alberto Urrea, and Chigozie Obioma. Through their unique perspectives and stories, Hearth underscores the power of empathy and narrative in bringing people together after periods of isolation. It serves as a poignant reminder that in times of upheaval, coming together through shared experiences and storytelling can bridge divides and foster unity.

Hearth challenges readers to reconsider the notions of home and hearth, urging them to view these concepts as sites for embracing diversity, practicing generosity, and caring for the broader world beyond individual experiences. This anthology serves as an essential guide for those seeking to redefine their understanding of community, belonging, and compassion in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

product information: