Local Franco American author Peggy DeBlois will discuss her novel, “The Toll Road North,” at a book signing and author talk at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, at the Franco Center in Lewiston.

Peggy Lafreniere DeBlois grew up in Lewiston, Maine and is a proud graduate of Bowdoin College. She enjoyed careers in marketing, journalism, and teaching prior to devoting her time to writing. “The Toll Road North” is her first novel. She continues to be inspired by the gritty beauty in her hometown.

DeBlois provides this brief synopsis of her book: “The story follows Dee who brings her son to her hometown of Lewiston to visit Bates College. The pair are held hostage at Luiggi’s. Dee recognizes the gunman, and then the novel goes back in time to show how Dee’s and the gunman’s families were connected, primarily set in the 1960 to ’70s Lewiston. Dee eventually works through her trauma, past and present, and rediscovers all the good things about her childhood in Lewiston.”

”If you like to read novels that are set in Lewiston and feature Franco Americans, then you will want to attend this event to meet the author,” said Denise Scammon, marketing director at the Franco Center. The setting for this event is in the former St. Mary’s Church, built for the French Canadian immigrants who lived in Little Canada and worked in the mills. “Lewiston locations and Franco American culture are included in the novel.”

Because the hour-long book discussion takes place at noon, staff suggest that attendees bring their own brown bag lunch.

Admission to the event is free. Books will be available for purchase.

The Franco Center is located at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Parking is available in the mill lot. The building is handicap accessible on the Lincoln St. Alley side of the building.

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