Franco-American Collection to host book talk March 5

LEWISTON — The Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine is holding “Are you a Daughter of the King? Une fille du roi?,” a book talk with Judi Valentine.

The talk is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston campus, 51 Westminster St. There is no fee for the programs, which are made possible by the Québec Delegation in Boston and by TV5MONDE.

Growing up, author Judi Valentine lost the connection to her Quebecois background.

Judi Valentine Submitted photo

According to Valentine: “Only recently when my husband researched my ancestral heritage did I learn I had a rich, and possibly royal (tongue in cheek), connection to France beginning in the 1600s. This inspired me to study my family history and I was surprised to learn I am related to three filles du roi, or so-called daughters of the king. Women who King Louis XIV recruited to populate what was then called New France, now Quebec. To this day, these indomitable women who crossed the Atlantic Ocean alone, are revered.”

At the talk, she will discuss the remarkable history of these pioneer women and how her research of the filles du roi influenced her latest novel. Two years ago, Valentine and her husband visited Lille, Riviere Ouelle and Kamouraska — places in Quebec where her ancestors settled and lived for many years.

The trip inspired “The Lost Treasure,” a story about two Maine teenagers who, while visiting their eccentric great aunt in Kamouraska, chase down a family legend. In the story, their ancestor, Jeanne Savonnet (Judi’s real great ancestor), was given an eye-popping ruby red necklace by Queen Maria Theresa, King Louis’ wife (this part is made up). The kids learn their own Quebecois history during a perilous hunt for the lost treasure.

Valentine’s fifth book is being published by Maine Authors Publishing. To see her books, go to jvalentinebooks.com.

For more information, to register and for the Zoom link to register for online attendance, contact FAC archivist Anna Faherty at anna.faherty@maine.edu or 207-753-6545.

Those who have questions about disability access or need to request disability accommodations (e.g. sign language interpreters, materials in electronic format) can contact Faherty. Requests should be made as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the accommodation process.