Those who enjoyed the classic Florida novel, “A Land Remembered,” will be in for a treat next week.
The Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library are bringing Patrick “Rick” Smith Jr., son of author Patrick Smith, to Plant City to give a presentation about the book and his father’s life.
“Few, if any, books have captured the spirit and colorful history of Florida as has Patrick Smith’s beloved novel, “A Land Remembered,” the Friends said in a press release. “It has been said many times that people should be issued a copy of ‘A Land Remembered’ when they cross the Florida state line.”
Now a California-based professional media producer, Smith has taken up the touring circuit after his father. He has put together a multimedia show that fans of the novel likely will enjoy.
The presentation consists of videos, family photos, music, sound effects and some visual effects that will help Smith tell his father’s story. In some parts of the show, some dialogue from Patrick Smith himself is included.
The elder Smith will explain how he integrated himself into the Seminole culture in order to learn about the people, how he worked with migrant workers to write Angel City, how he spent two years doing research needed to write “A Land Remembered,” and discuss his thoughts on the “real” Florida.
Meanwhile, the younger Smith will narrate the show as it happens. He’ll also be dressed in period-appropriate Victorian attire to emulate the look of “A Land Remembered” character Tobias MacIvey.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
An Evening with Patrick Smith Jr., Son of the Author of the Iconic Florida Story, “A Land Remembered”
WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11
WHERE: Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City
INFORMATION: Gil Gott, (813) 754-1578, or the library, (813) 757-9215
