Spend an evening with Lebanese author Joseph Kai

Friday, September 29, 2023 From 6:30 PM To 8:00 PM Add to Calendar 2023-09-29 18:30:00 2023-09-29 20:00:00 Spend an evening with Lebanese author Joseph Kai The French Library is pleased to welcome Lebanese author, Joseph Kai for a discussion of his latest book: Restless (English translation of L’Intranquille). We will dive into Joseph’s own story based in Beirut, Lebanon. The French Library, 53 Marlborough St, Boston, Massachusetts, United States America/New_York

At The French Library Get Directions

The French Library is pleased to welcome Lebanese author, Joseph Kai for a discussion of his latest book: Restless (English translation of L’Intranquille). We will dive into Joseph’s own story based in Beirut, Lebanon.
Restless is an abstractly autobiographical story about the author's anxiety over living in a complex city, constantly changing. We will discuss the three main themes of this graphic novel: art, sexuality, and political uprising.

Our author's talk will be followed by a Q&A session, with book signing/selling and a glass of wine.

Member

$15

Non-member

$20

About Joseph Kai

Joseph Kai is a queer artist from Beirut, Lebanon. He has published several works with the Lebanese collective of BD Samandal Comics. Joseph has participated in numerous festivals and exhibitions in Beirut, Lebanon; Berlin, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; and both Angoulême and Paris, France. He is currently living and working in Paris. Restless is his first graphic novel.

About Restless

What would life feel like without fear and oppression? Is it possible to find solace in the power of the chosen family, underground art collectives, and revolution?
Set in Beirut, Lebanon, Joseph Kai's graphic novel Restless explores these questions. It is 30 years after the end of the civil war, and a few months before the disastrous explosion of August 2020. Samar, a young queer comic book artist, wanders between anguished dreams, childhood memories, sexual experiences, and Beirut’s alternative communities.

Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Events

Winter 2026 French Class Launch & Info Session

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Start your New Year with French! Join our Winter 2026 info session to explore classes for all levels and enjoy special event-only discounts.

Concert

Poulenc’s Babar and Satie’s Sports et Divertissements

A Holiday Family Concert of French Musical Tales

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Step into the whimsical world of Poulenc and Satie, where music meets imagination. This joyful holiday concert invites children and adults alike to discover the wit, lyricism, and artistry of two French masters.

Conference

Notre-Dame de Paris - Before the Fire with Russell Kelley (in English)

(Online via Zoom)

Thursday, December 4, 2025

This illustrated lecture will explore the long and eventful history of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, from its foundation in 1163 to the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, which destroyed its attic, roof, and iconic spire.

See All