Author Juliette Fay joins Yale Page Turners

The Yale Page Turners had quite the treat at their last meeting when author Juliette Fay joined them via Zoom.

Fay discovered the review of her novel, “The Harvey Girls,” published in The Expositor, along with a note about an upcoming discussion by the Yale Page Turners, who meet monthly at the Yale Public Library.

Jenny Olejnik, the local branch lead librarian who guides the book club, was delighted and surprised to receive a phone call from Fay asking if she might join the discussion via Zoom.

Of course, the answer was: “Yes, please!” Olejnik said.

Members enjoyed a discussion about the novel and asked questions.

Fay shared some of the subjects explored in the novel, including elements of the ending (no spoilers here), the portrayal of Native Americans and the history of the Harvey Girls, young, single women who were hired to work as waitresses in restaurateur Fred Harvey’s restaurants and hotels along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway from the 1880s through the mid-1900s.

She said she enjoys pulling events and details from history and sharing them with a generation that may not be familiar with them.

While researching the Harvey Girls, Fay found it interesting that they typically married later, having first enjoyed opportunities to travel and make their own choices. They earned a good wage and could aspire to supervisory positions.