Ann Leary Visit

Written By: Marcus

Ann Leary Visit

On Wednesday, March 8, Lycoming College hosted the “New York Times” bestselling author Ann Leary for a lecture and Q&A on her newest book, “The Foundling.” Leary held two meetings; one for faculty and creative writing majors at 3:30 p.m. and another open to anyone at 7 p.m. The private event was held in the Humanities Research Center, and the public one was in the Trogner Presentation Room.

“The Foundling” is a historical fiction novel based on Leary’s grandmother Mary and her time working in the Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age. This fictional institution mirrors the authentic Laurelton Village for Feebleminded Girls and Women of Childbearing Age in Union County, PA. It opened in 1917 and was an asylum for women aged 16 to 45. However, “feebleminded” meant any woman who did not meet the expectations or norms of society, not just those battling mental illness. Throughout the story, Mary learns that the supposed refuge treats its patients more like inmates and enslaved people, and she meets an old friend who does not belong there.

In her talks, Leary discussed her process of researching the novel. She spent nearly ten years checking newspapers and historical documents, piecing together a history not talked about by those who remember the Village today. Leary said that she hopes to shed light on this lesser-known subject and thus bring awareness to a group that went unseen and often uncared for.