Ernest Hebert’s most recent novel, NEVER BACK DOWN, tells the story of the life and loves of Jack Landry, a New England Franco-American working man. Hebert wrote his book as an answer to The GREAT GATSBY and DELIVERANCE, novels that he claims gain their exalted place in American literature at the expense of the unsung heroes—working men and women. Welcome to literary class warfare.

Sunday, Nov. 4, 2 p.m., Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St. Free and open to the public.