Stories of Place, Heritage, and Belonging with Peter Geye

Award-winning novelist Peter Geye has built a celebrated literary career exploring how place, heritage, and family histories shape identity. Best known for his vivid portrayals of Minnesota’s North Shore, Geye’s novels delve into the legacies of Norwegian immigrants and their descendants, weaving together themes of resilience, memory, and belonging. In this virtual book talk, Geye will reflect on his decade-long exploration of the landscapes and cultures that define his characters, discuss how the natural world informs his storytelling, and share how fiction can preserve cultural heritage while revealing universal human struggles. Attendees will gain insight into the craft of storytelling as a bridge between past and present, deepening empathy, cultural awareness, and an appreciation for the narratives that shape both our individual and collective identities.