A new novel from former Red Deer resident Elinor Florence is based in Central Alberta.
Finding Flora, set to be released on April 1, tells the story of a Scottish newcomer who jumps from a moving train in 1905 to escape her abusive husband and finds herself alone on the Prairies. She makes her way to Red Deer, where she files a claim on a homestead located between Lacombe and Alix.
"I write stories about strong women," said Florence.
One aspect of the story revolves around the unusual renaming of Alix after the first white woman in the area, Alix Westhead.
“This novel pays homage to the homesteaders who played such an integral role in our past and contributed so much to the Western Canada that we know and love today,” explained Florence.
Inspiration for the story came from the author’s own family heritage which includes homesteaders, fur traders, and Indigenous women.
Florence grew up on a Saskatchewan farm, pursuing a journalism career including nine years at a Red Deer newspaper from 1978 to 1987. She later settled in Invermere, British Columbia, where she wrote for Reader’s Digest Canada and published her own weekly newspaper.
This is her third historical novel.
Florence has several appearances scheduled in central Alberta over the next few weeks to promote the book, including a book signing at Red Deer Chapters on Saturday, April 5 from noon to 4 p.m.
The author will then visit three locations in Edmonton before returning to Alix from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, where she will introduce her book and present a slide show of historic photos at the Alix Community Hall.
Volunteers from the Alix Wagon Wheel Museum will provide refreshments. There will also be a prize for the biggest, fanciest hat.
Click here for a full schedule of events.
Finding Flora is now available for preorder online and at your local bookstore.
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