Former SMC fellow, professor returns to South Bend to promote debut novel
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Brought by Notre Dame’s Institute of Latino Studies, Maria Kelson read excerpts from her poetry and novel
On March 5, 2025, Notre Dame’s Institute of Latino Studies (ILS), in partnership with the St. Joseph County Public Library and Library of America, hosted poet and debut novelist Maria Kelson to speak on her 2024 novel, titled “Not the Killing Kind.”
Kelson’s novel follows single mother and teacher Boots Marez as she tries to prove her adopted son Jaral’s innocence following his arrest for the murder of one of her former undocumented students. Set in northern California, the story places undocumented communities in the limelight, highlighting several of their hardships.
Kelson served as a fellow of the Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership at Saint Mary’s College from 2003 to 2005. Afterwards, she worked as an associate professor of English at SMC until 2006.
“I loved teaching at a women’s college. It was an experience that I haven’t had before or since. I loved emphasizing women’s success and getting to know young women writers through my classes,” Kelson said.
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This article was written by Aynslee Dellacca and was first published in The Observer on March 6, 2025.