Author Discusses “Rock Star” Marquis

Witty, wry, and direct, Sarah Vowell delighted a crowded Colton Chapel Feb. 10 with a Jones Lecture Series discussion of her latest book, Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, an unconventional examination of the teenage Frenchman who both loved and earned the love of young America.

After opening the program with a reading from the final pages of her book, Vowell sat down with President Alison Byerly, who led a conversation ranging from what inspired the book and the psychology behind the Marquis’ decision to come to America to Vowell’s use of her own experiences visiting historical sites to render narrative, accessible prose.

“He would have loved this, the fact that we’re just sitting here talking about him—and his picture is on all your stuff,” Vowell said to laughter.