I Who Have Never Known Men: Celebrating Jacqueline Harpman

Join the New York Public Library for the World Literature and Arts Festival at St. Agnes Library for a panel discussion with writers and artists celebrate the cult classic novel, followed by a collage workshop inspired by the book’s iconic cover.

Once a hidden gem, Jacqueline Harpman’s novel I Who Have Never Known Men is having a major moment. Decades after its original publication, this translated novel has become a contemporary classic, captivating a new generation of readers. Translated from French into English by Ros Schwartz, the book speaks to modern readers with its clinical precision, surrealism, and the iconic cover, now a staple of NYC subway reads.

Author Maris Kreizman moderates this conversation with writers Emily Gould, MJ Franklin, Sanaë Lemoine, and Nikki Massoud, narrator of the I Who Have Never Known Men audiobook, as they come together to celebrate Jacqueline Harpman's prolific work, and discuss the relevance of the title in our society today.

Following the panel, join us for a collage workshop inspired by the iconic cover of the Transit Books books edition. The workshop will run from 3-4 PM. All materials will be provided. 

This event is presented in partnership with Transit Books and Villa Albertine.

Register now. This event will take place in person and online. 

To join the event in person | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. 

To join the event online | Please register for an Online Ticket. A livestream of this event will be available on this NYPL event page. To receive an email reminder shortly in advance of the event, please be sure to register! If you encounter any issues, please join us on NYPL's YouTube channel.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The New York Public Library’s World Literature & Arts Festival (April 14–30, 2026) celebrates writers, artists, and creators from NYC and around the globe. Join us for free events, programs, book recommendations, and resources for all ages.

BOOKS AND MORE

If you have a NYPL library card, you can borrow books related this event and even more NYPL e-books—on your favorite device. Learn more: nypl.org/ebookhelp

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person

• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Online

• Live captioning will be provided.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.

CONNECT

For general questions, please email adultprogramming@nypl.org.

Please submit all press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org.