‘Room Enough’ Rehoboth history author to appear Aug. 2

Browseabout Books will host Roger Truitt, author of “Room Enough,” for a signing event from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2, at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Truitt’s historical novel tells the story of the founding of Rehoboth as a seaside camp meeting revival venue in 1873. It reveals how the city was initially developed by the Rev. Robert Todd and then changed dramatically over the next eight years as the railroad was extended from Lewes and the “sinners” prevailed over the “saints.”

“Room Enough” portrays real persons and events through the eyes of a fictional protagonist whose simple farm life is abruptly altered by the religious and cultural challenges that came with the establishment of Rehoboth Beach as an oceanfront resort.

The book takes its title from the biblical town of Rehoboth, which has been loosely translated to English as “room enough” or “room for all.” The novel deals with multiple social issues including racism and homosexuality, when Rehoboth struggled to live up to its name.

A Rehoboth Beach native, Truitt  portrays Todd in period costume for the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, where he serves as a member the board of directors. Heidi Nasstrom Evans, executive director of the historical society’s museum, said, “‘Room Enough’ tells the unique story of Rehoboth’s founding based on Roger Truitt’s extensive historical research and creative writing.”