Author Talk by Carolyn Kirby

Doors open at 7 pm for 7.30 start.

Tickets £5 to include a glass of  wine.  

Pay in the Library (cash)

or by BACS (Bank: NatWest, Sort code: 60-10-35, Account name: Friends of SoCo Library, Account no: 65331559, Reference: KIRBY).  

Signed copies of The Conviction of Cora Burns will be available for the special price of £5 (cash only).

Carolyn Kirby’s talk gives an insight into the research underlying her novel The Conviction of Cora Burns which was inspired by the origins of psychology as well as by real lives and true stories from 19th century Britain. The book was long-listed for the Historical Writers’ Association Crown Award and short-listed for the Specsavers Crime debut award.

Cora Burns, the novel’s troubled protagonist, was born in a gaol and raised in a workhouse knowing nothing about her parents. Haunted by memories of a terrible crime in her childhood, she seeks a new life working as a servant in the house of scientist Thomas Jerwood. Here, Cora befriends a young girl, Violet who seems to be the subject of a living experiment. But is Jerwood also secretly studying Cora, and what else does he have to hide…?

The illustrated talk will focus on the lives and work of three controversial Victorians: Arthur Munby, W. T. Stead and Francis Galton. It will be followed by audience Q & A and a chance to buy a signed copy of the book.

Praise for The Conviction of Cora Burns:

“A haunting and original debut.” NB Magazine

“A great historical novel with bite.” Mail on Sunday