Around Broadneck:Local author returns to AACC, site of first success

The study area outside Room 302 in the Truxal Library at Anne Arundel Community College was deathly quiet. Inside, author Ronald Damien Malfi was holding court, wearing shorts and black flip-flops.

Arrayed in several rows was a rapt audience of about two dozen who listened intently as Mr. Malfi read chapters from his latest published novel, Via Dolorosa.

Published by Raw Dog Screaming Press, the book is available locally at Hard Bean Cafe in City Dock, The Annapolis Bookstore on 41 Randall Street in downtown Annapolis, plus online at Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com.

In the story, a young veteran of Iraq and his...