Bestselling author Louise Penny expressed concerns about the rhetoric of U.S. President Donald Trump referring to Canada as the potential 51st state. Speaking at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, which straddles the U.S.-Canada border, Penny emphasized the significance of historical reflection on missed opportunities to prevent invasions and targeting of peoples.
The unique venue has been caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions between the two countries following Trump’s trade disputes and annexation threats towards Canada. The library faced restricted access on the U.S. side, prompting renovations to establish Canadian entry points. Penny generously contributed to the renovation fund, which successfully raised over $140,000.
In her latest novel, “The Black Wolf,” Penny delves into a fictional plot involving Canada becoming the 51st state, a theme that unexpectedly mirrored real-world political developments. She highlighted the symbolic gesture of creating a new entrance on the Canadian side as a subtle defiance against the current administration’s actions.
Penny also mentioned her friendship with Hillary Rodham Clinton and their collaborative writing venture. Reflecting on the current political climate, Penny shared insights from her conversations with Clinton, who expressed concerns about the state of American democracy.
Addressing the timing of her book’s narrative, Penny explained that the storyline was crafted years before Trump’s reelection, illustrating a thematic progression that eerily paralleled unfolding events. When questioned about the seriousness of the 51st state concept, Penny cautioned against underestimating the potential implications, emphasizing the need for vigilance and standing up against concerning developments, particularly in uncertain times.