Afternoon Author Talk Eileen O’Finlan

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host author Eileen O’Finlan, as part of the Afternoon Author Talk series. Among her titles are “Kelegeen”, “Erin’s Children”, and her most recent publication, “The Folklorist. ”

“1830s Birch Falls, Vermont

One by one Jerusha Kendall’s siblings fall victim to consumption, the scourge of the 19th century. Devastated by the loss of her children, Jerusha’s mother Mary is horrified over the outlandish folk remedy proposed by her dearest friend, Lavinia. Unable to divert the people of Birch Falls from carrying out Lavinia’s ghastly plan, Mary succeeds only in convincing them never to let Jerusha find out what they’ve done. But Jerusha knows a secret is being kept from her, and she is determined to uncover it.

1973 Middlebury, Vermont

Newly-minted folklorist Charlotte Lajoie accepts the position of Assistant Director at the New England Folklife Museum, the perfect first step in her career. But her sexist boss uses her to hide his incompetence and steal her ideas. Charlotte’s misery at work is assuaged only by a gift from her grandmother – the diary of their ancestor, Jerusha Kendall. Fascinated, Charlotte suspects that her family may have been involved in the 19th century’s New England Vampire Panic. Her discoveries could prove to be a goldmine for her career but only if she can outwit her jealous boss and pacify a vengeful ghost.” – Provided by publisher

From the author:  “I was born, raised, and live in Massachusetts. I am a New Englander to the core with a passion for this region’s history. Along with my home state, I am especially fond of Vermont where both my parents were born and raised and a great many of my enormous extended family live.

​Besides books and history, I also love cats. I’ve had at least one cat since I was about six years old. I can’t imagine life without one. They are beautiful, independent, self-assured creatures. The cats with whom I’ve been honored to share a home have all had intriguing personalities and captivating quirks. They are my little darlings.”