Author's Talk

The Old Forge Library will host author Marilyn Higgins for a special presentation and discussion of her debut novel, Dreams of Freedom.

Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 5 pm.T

Set in the years leading up to the American Civil War, Dreams of Freedom tells the story of twenty-year-old Irish immigrant Aileen O’Malley. In a time of social upheaval and unrest along the Erie Canal, Aileen sets out to find her indentured father and kidnapped siblings. Along the way, she encounters real-life historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Gerrit Smith, and Stephen Myers. The novel combines history and mystery to portray a deeply human story of courage, resilience, and the fight for justice.

In addition to discussing the novel, Ms. Higgins will introduce attendees to the concept of “novel tourism.” This initiative encourages readers to visit the real places featured in Dreams of Freedom, using a free Novel Tourist Guide that will be available at the event. Book clubs and individual readers are invited to explore the settings in the novel through this enriching literary travel experience.

Marilyn Higgins brings a unique perspective to her historical fiction that is rooted in her biography. She is a former Chief Economic Development Officer at National Grid and Syracuse University. Her extensive volunteer work with the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor inspired her to write Dreams of Freedom and to honor the people and places that shaped New York State during a critical period in American history.

The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Signed copies of Dreams of Freedom will be available for purchase. For more information about the author and her work, please visit www.marilynhigginsauthor.com.