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"To Be Marquette" is a love letter to the Upper Peninsula and its history with environmental themes

The cover of Sharon Dilworth's book "To Be Marquette"
Sharon Dilworth
/
Amazon
The cover of Sharon Dilworth's book "To Be Marquette"

An interview with author Sharon Dilworth

Sharon Dilworth’s latest novel, "To Be Marquette," has earned a spot as a 2025 U.P. Notable Book. In an interview with Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth, Dilworth shares how her experiences as a student at Northern Michigan University in the early 1980s, the fervor of local activism, and the natural beauty of Marquette have intertwined to shape this deeply personal narrative.

When asked what compelled her to transform her college years into a novel, Dilworth reflects on both personal and environmental concerns. “I was like most people these days—really depressed about climate change,” she explains. “And I have a daughter who was trying to get involved in activism to protest all the changes. It made me think back to when I went to Northern and I was a freshman. At that time, Project ELF was really front and foremost in our minds.”

The government-funded project, which sparked debates throughout the Upper Peninsula, is woven into the fabric of the novel. Dilworth recalls the polarized opinions of the era: “There was always this idea that you were either for it or against it—either you believed it would hurt the environment or that it was a boon for the region. Most of my friends, of course, thought it would have a negative impact, which is why we protested it.”

Environmental responsibility is at the heart of To Be Marquette. Dilworth draws clear parallels between the environmental debates of the 1980s and today’s concerns about climate change. “Project ELF was about more than just a government initiative,” she observes. “It was about a community that loved its environment and feared that changes would ruin its natural beauty. That same debate continues today.” While the novel is rooted in a specific time, its themes resonate with contemporary audiences who are increasingly mindful of environmental impacts.

The city of Marquette itself plays a vital role in the narrative. Dilworth describes it as a place that transforms its inhabitants. “You’d just walk down the street and see Lake Superior, feel the beauty of the region—it was all so gorgeous,” she recalls. The memories of quiet moments at local landmarks like the Crow’s Nest, where she once worked as a waitress, evoke the nostalgic and enduring charm of the Upper Peninsula. “It’s a love letter to Marquette,” she adds, “a place where the landscapes and community leave an indelible mark on your soul.”

Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's conversation with Sharon:

A conversation with Sharon Dilworth

"To Be Marquette" is available at Snowbound Books and other local outlets.

For readers interested in following her journey, Sharon Dilworth is active on Instagram under @SharonDilworth. More information about her work can be found on her website, sharon-dilworth.com.

Kurt lives in Marquette with his family and can’t imagine living anywhere else. He loves music, games, running, being near water, and a fine cold brew coffee.