Barbara Josselsohn, a summer resident of North Fork, has published her 10th novel, The Paper House, which was released on September 2 by Bookouture, a Hachette imprint. The novel was inspired by a stationery shop in Southold and explores themes of memory, loss, family, and the significance of handwritten letters.
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The story features a fictional shop called The Paper House, frequented by island residents who come to write letters to lost loved ones or to express feelings unshared. Central to the narrative is Kayla, who inherits the shop from her great-aunt Tilly. After a traumatic event, Kayla left the island but is drawn back years later when police contact her regarding bloodstains found in the shop's attic. This return prompts her to confront her past and uncover the mysteries surrounding Tilly.
Tilly's backstory involves a challenging childhood and her service in the Women's Army Corps during World War II, where she helped wounded soldiers write letters home. Her experiences lead her to establish The Paper House upon her return.
Josselsohn states that the story focuses on self-discovery through letters, emphasizing the depth of emotion that handwritten correspondence can convey compared to modern digital communication. The author found inspiration for the novel while at Arni Paperie in Southold, where she was captivated by the variety of stationery and paper goods.
A native of Long Island, Josselsohn has increasingly incorporated Long Island's history and atmosphere into her writings. She will host a meet-and-greet and book signing at Arni Paperie on October 11, which will include a letter-writing workshop. The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., and attendance is free.