Please join Vermont author Mimi Yahn for the launch of her debut novel, Usurpation on Sunday,
September 8, at noon at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Springfield. Set in 1997 and spanning
two cities — Portland, Oregon, and New Orleans — Usurpation tells a powerful story about
gentrification, hardship and redemptive love through the lives of two families, and the eyes of the novel's
historian protagonist, Kitty Feliz.

Usurpation is also a murder mystery. When her best friend's son is murdered, Kitty uncovers a racist
scheme involving drug gangs, police corruption, and gentrification through the deliberate blighting of
Portland's historically Black district, Albina. Writing under the pen name of Marie St. Pez, Yahn tells
this story of the early days of gentrification through the musings of Kitty Feliz, whose experiences as a
Black lesbian lyrically link the personal with the political, and the heart with the mind.

Ms. Yahn is a long-time writer of essays, short stories, investigative articles, and political blogs. She
lived in New Orleans and Portland, Oregon, during the 90s and witnessed the early days of
gentrification and the impact of urban renewal schemes in both cities. Join her on September 8th at
noon for sample readings, some lively discussion, and food and music from the novel. All are also
welcome to the Sunday service at 10 a.m., followed by Coffee Hour at 11 a.m. The Springfield Unitarian
Universalist Church is located at 21 Fairground Road and is wheelchair accessible.

Usurpation is published by Onion River Press and is available at local bookstores including Village
Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls and online at www.mariestpez.wordpress.com as well as all other
online book retailers.

Event Info

Sep 20, 2024, 5 to 8 PM

Sep 21, 2024, 5:30 to 7 PM

Sep 22, 2024, 10 AM