Minot author Barb Solberg will be speaking Tuesday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at Minot State University’s Gordon B. Olson Library. Solberg is a retired MSU writing professor and currently serves on the North Dakota Humanities Board of Directors.

She will be presenting her historical fiction novel, “What We Leave Behind,” a deeply personal journey through time that draws from Solberg’s own Norwegian ancestry. The book chronicles her grandparents’ courageous immigration to America and their resilience through the hardships of the Great Depression, following the sweeping saga of a family that tried to remain connected as their children built lives, some separated by an ocean between the United States and Norway.

“We are delighted to welcome Barb Solberg back to campus to celebrate her nationally recognized historical novel, ‘What We Left Behind,'” said Jolene Nechiporenko, library director at the Gordon B. Olson Library. “Based on her family’s Norwegian heritage, it’s a captivating read that you won’t be able to put down. This event is open to the public; bring your book or purchase one at the event if you like. There will be a question-and-answer time and a book signing.”

“What We Leave Behind” was one of only two books selected to represent the state of North Dakota at the 2025 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.