Nottingham Author’s Novel, 'The Weight Of Snow And Regret,' Released As Audiobook

NOTTINGHAM, NH — New Hampshire author Elizabeth Gauffreau’s novel "The Weight of Snow and Regret" is now available as an audiobook, expanding access for readers who prefer audio formats or who face barriers to reading print.

The novel centers on the 1968 closure of a New England poor farm, publicly funded institutions once operated by local governments to house and support indigent, elderly, and disabled residents. Poor farms were common from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century and were designed to be largely self-sustaining through residents’ labor.

“The Weight of Snow and Regret spotlights the lives of the indigent, infirm, elderly, and disabled residents who couldn’t live on their own and support themselves,” Gauffreau said. “Contrary to the traditional shame associated with being sent to the poor farm, the poor farm featured in the book had become a place for genuine connections with their caregivers and the other residents.”

She said the story focuses on the impact of the farm’s closure on remaining residents after the state assumed control of social services.

“When the state took control of social services and closed the poor farm, the remaining residents were devastated that they were being taken against their will from their home and family,” Gauffreau said.

Gauffreau said she chose to produce an audiobook edition to make the story more widely accessible.

“I’m passionate about using my character-driven fiction to give readers the lived experience of people facing barriers to telling their own stories,” she said. “I wanted to ensure that as many people as possible could access these characters’ stories.”

Gauffreau lives in Nottingham and grew up in several New England towns, including Enosburg Falls, Vermont. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and writing from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in fiction writing from the University of New Hampshire. Her professional background includes teaching, advising, and administration in nontraditional higher education.

The Weight of Snow and Regret is available in paperback, hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats. Additional information is available through the publisher.