2025 Moby-Dick Marathon Kick-Off Dinner

For over seven decades, the Melville Society has united scholars, readers, and artists who share a passion for Herman Melville’s life and work. In celebration of the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s 29th Annual Moby-Dick Marathon, the Museum and the Melville Society are pleased to present acclaimed writers Chris Bachelder and Jennifer Habel, discussing and reading from their collaborative novel Dayswork. Kicking off the Marathon weekend, this dinner program is scheduled as follows:

• 5:00 PM - doors open with complimentary lite bites and cash-bar in the Harbor View Gallery
• 5:30 PM - welcome remarks & buffet dinner
• 6:30 PM - presentation by authors Chris Bachelder and Jennifer Habel
• 7:30 PM - Q&A and closing remarks

About the Authors:

Chris Bachelder is the author of four novels, including The Throwback Special, which was a finalist for the National Book Award and received the Terry Southern Prize for Humor.

Jennifer Habel is the author of two poetry collections, Good Reason and The Book of Jane, winner of the Iowa Poetry Prize. Together, Bachelder and Habel have crafted Dayswork, recognized as one of the best books of the year by NPR, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, The Paris Review, and more. The authors reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.

About the Book:

A Washington Post Notable Book of the Year • An NPR “Books We Love” Pick • A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year • A Paris Review Staff Favorite

Described by the Wall Street Journal as “a supremely literate achievement,” Dayswork is an inventive and introspective novel that explores the intersection of art, marriage, and personal identity. During the pandemic, a woman’s fascination with Herman Melville’s life, his creative process, and his turbulent relationships drives her into a deep exploration of the cost and meaning of dedication. Through her examination of Melville’s impulsive decisions, personal relationships, and creative legacy, she finds herself facing her own reflections on ambition and marriage.

With humor, insight, and poetic precision, Chris Bachelder and Jennifer Habel craft a narrative that seamlessly blends life and literature, history and self-discovery. Join us for a conversation with the authors as they share the inspirations and questions behind this remarkable novel, adding a unique dimension to the Moby-Dick Marathon weekend.