One of The New Yorker’s most acclaimed storytellers will visit our Manchester store to discuss his latest book, a fascinating saga of his own family’s history that was listed as a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice.

“Having left this material for his writer son, my father must have wanted the story told, even if he couldn’t bear to tell it himself.” So begins the story of a forgotten American dynasty, a farming family from the bean fields of southern New Jersey who became as wealthy and powerful as aristocrats—only to implode in a storm of lies.

The patriarch, C. F. Seabrook, was hailed as the “Henry Ford of Agriculture.” His son Jack, a keen businessman, was poised to take over what Life called “the biggest vegetable factory on earth.” But the carefully cultivated facade—glamorous outings by horse-drawn carriage, hidden wine cellars, and movie star girlfriends—hid dark secrets that led to the implosion of the family business.

A compulsively readable story of class and privilege, betrayal and revenge—three decades in the making— “The Spinach King” explores the author’s complicated family legacy and the dark corners of the American Dream.

“Who knew that a family empire built on frozen vegetables could produce a tale worthy of Faulkner…. as rich a tale about a troubled dynasty—and father-son relationships—as you will read this year.” — Jim Kelly, Airmail

“As sweeping in its scope as a great novel, “The Spinach King” is . . . a rich story, populated with characters that will stay with you long after you finish reading.” — Susan Orlean, author of The Library Book.

John Seabrook has been a staff writer at The New Yorker for more than three decades. “The Spinach King” is his fifth book. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.