LEWISTON — Auburn author Marguerite Roy will read from and discuss her memoir, “Aurore: My Franco-American Mother,” on Thursday, Aug. 30, at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College.

Aurore was the youngest of nine children of French–Canadian parents who immigrated to Lewiston in the 1890s. Losing her mother at age 2 affected Aurore throughout her life; and for her nine children and two stepsons, she became the mother she always wished she’d had.

At times unconventional, always devoutly Catholic, Aurore triumphed in an environment that was economically difficult and often lonely.

“This is a great addition to Maine’s Franco-American literature,”  said James Myall, USM’s Franco-American Collection coordinator. “Aurore’s experiences echo those of many other local women in the 20th century, and readers, especially those from Lewiston-Auburn, will find this memoir both familiar and engaging,” Myall said. 

Roy was born in Lewiston, where she lived most of her life. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from USM while raising four children with her husband, Raynald.

The first chapter of “Aurore: My Franco-American Mother” won first place awards in Florida Freelance Writers Association competition, and selections from her book appeared in Down East, Discover Maine, The Family Digest and Out of the Cradle magazines. Other stories have appeared in an anthology published by the Writers of Sun City Center. Roy and her husband reside in Auburn and Sun City Center, Fla.

The free reading and discussion will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room 170 at Lewiston-Auburn College, 51 Westminster St. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 753-6545 or email jmyall@usm.maine.edu.

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