News

Author Katherine Vaz set to speak at Illinois College about upcoming novel set in historic Jacksonville

11.04.2024

A former Claridge Writer-in-Residence at Illinois College and a National Endowment for the Arts recipient, Vaz will be speaking on campus on November 18 at 11 a.m. in the Kirby Learning Center, Room 6 about her novel Above the Salt.

Above the Salt, set to be released in paperback on November 7, 2024, has already received high praise as a People Magazine Book of the Week selection, a Good Morning America Top 15, a Goodreads November top pick, and received starred Kirkus and Publisher’s Weekly reviews.

The novel is a work of fiction based on the true story of Portuguese refugees who settled in Jacksonville during the 1800s. While on campus, Vaz will discuss the surprising turns in the road while researching this incredible tale of survival, heartache, war, and generosity, with special attention paid to the book-defining discoveries she made during her time as writer-in-residence at IC.

Students who attend will receive convocation credit. The event is free and open to the public.

About Illinois College

Illinois College has believed in the power of opportunity for nearly 200 years. Today, more than 1,000 students come to our vibrant campus in Jacksonville, Illinois, to find their people, their passions, and their path forward. Whether exploring over 80 academic programs, competing in athletics, or interning worldwide, IC students live fully and Graduate READY to make a difference in the world. That’s why Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society, chose Illinois College as one of only a few schools in the state. 

Visit www.ic.edu for more information.

Media Contact Information
Emily Titsworth '19, Writer
Office of Marketing and Communication
217.245.3219 | emily.titsworth@ic.edu