Stories of Place, Heritage, and Belonging with Peter Geye

Virtual Book Talk with Peter Geye

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 7–8 pm CT | Zoom

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.

About Peter Geye:

Peter Geye is the author of Safe from the Sea, The Lighthouse Road, Wintering, Northernmost, and his newest novel, A Lesser Light. His work, deeply rooted in Norwegian heritage and the immigrant experience, has been widely acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and vivid sense of place. Geye holds an MFA from the University of New Orleans and a PhD from Western Michigan University. He lives in Minneapolis, where he continues to write, teach, and explore the ties between culture, geography, and human experience.

Moderator Kjersti Armstrong became First Lady of North Dakota in December 2024 when her husband, Governor Kelly Armstrong, was sworn in as the state’s 34th governor. A proud North Dakotan and dual citizen of the United States and Norway, she holds law degrees from the University of Oslo and the University of North Dakota. Mrs. Armstrong brings extensive private-sector experience in the oil and gas industry and has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards across the state.