Uncovering Ancient London with Catherine Johnson and Lydia Syson

Sunday October 13th. 2.00pm at Noel Park Primary School

Award winning Catherine Johnson is the author of over a dozen books, including Nest of Vipers, Stella and Brave New Gil. Her new book, "Sawbones", is steeped in London's fascinating history.      

It’s 1792 and 16 year old Ezra McAdam is an apprentice surgeon and anatomist. He’s used to dealing with the cadavers that come into his Master’s lecture room, and he can read a dead body as thoroughly as you or I can read a book. When a corpse comes in with a strange tattoo it sets Ezra off on a wild adventure he really would rather not have.  From the drinking dens of London’s resurrection men to the operating theatres of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, join Ezra and sword-happy magician’s assistant Loveday Finch as they hurry to stop an international catastrophe.

Lydia Syson is a fifth-generation North Londoner who now lives south of the river. Her latest novel, "That Burning Summer" is being published in October, just in time for the Festival.

Romney Marsh, July 1940. When invasion threatens, you have to grow up quickly. Sixteen-year-old Peggy has been putting on a brave face since the fall of France, not least for the sake of her anxiety-prone younger brother Ernest.  But now the enemy is overhead, and the rules are changing all the time. It’s getting harder and harder to ignore the rumble of guns, the rumours of spies and the malicious gossip in town.  When Henryk, a young Polish pilot, crash-lands on the Marsh, Peggy quickly finds she’s taken on more than she bargained for.

Everything changes in one extraordinary burning summer.

Together, and maybe with your help, they'll be talking about how they've used London as a location in their novels and the importance of building a realistic sense of place for their readers. There'll be fascinating insights into how Lydia and Catherine researched for their books and no doubt a few surprises on the way. 

Catherine and Lydia's books will be available to purchase at the festival and at this event, and they'll be happy to sign copies for you. 

Suggested Age 10+

This is a FREE event, but please contact the Big Green Bookshop to reserve a place, either by email on enquiries@biggreenbookshop.com or by phone 020 8881 6767