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'Vulcana' Rebecca F. John in conversation with Elaine Canning
'Vulcana' Rebecca F. John in conversation with Elaine Canning

Thu, 26 Oct

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Taliesin Create

'Vulcana' Rebecca F. John in conversation with Elaine Canning

Discover Vulcana the new novel from Rebecca F. John

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Time & Location

26 Oct 2023, 18:00 – 19:00

Taliesin Create, Singleton Park, University, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK

About the event

THIS IS AN EXTERNAL EVENT RUN BY THE LITERARY SALON HELD 

TICKETS FREE - Available here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/cultural-institute/events/literary-salon-series/#thursday-26-october-book-launch-vulcana-rebecca-f-john-in-conversation-with-elaine-canning=is-expanded

LOCATION: Taliesin Create, Singleton Campus, Swansea University, SA2 8PP

On a stormy winter’s night, 1892, Kate Williams, a Baptist Minister’s  daughter, leaves her small Welsh hometown of Abergavenny and sets out  for London with nothing more than a travel case and a wild plan: she is  going to become a strongwoman.

But it is not only her ambition she is chasing. William Roberts,  twelve years her senior and the leader of a troupe of strong men and  women, has captured her imagination and her heart. In London, William  reinvents Kate as ‘Vulcana – Most Beautiful Woman on Earth’, and himself  as ‘Atlas’. Soon they are travelling around Britain and beyond,  performing in theatres in France, Australia, Algiers.

As Vulcana’s star rises, however, so Altas’ fades, and Kate finds  herself holding together both a troupe of performers and a family. But  does she truly want fame and fortune? How can she reconcile being a  mother with touring the world? Can she really be a voice for women and,  in spite of expectation and convention, remain true to herself?

‘Beautifully written, thought-provoking & a touching love story.’ Tracy Rees

‘All the glamour and grit of music halls. A truly empathetic portrayal of a brave, independent young woman.’ Essie Fox

Rebecca F. John is the author of five books for adults – Clown's ShoesThe Haunting of Henry TwistThe Empty Greatcoat, and Fannie.  She has previously been shortlisted for the Sunday Times EFG Short  Story Award and the Costa First Novel Award. In 2022, she published her  first children's book, a middle-grade novel called The Shadow Order, with Firefly Press.

Rebecca lives in Swansea with her partner, their son, and their dogs.  She loves walking, the sea, and reading about as many different worlds  as possible.

In partnership with Cover to Cover

THIS IS AN EXTERNAL EVENT RUN BY THE LITERARY SALON HELD 

TICKETS FREE - Available here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/cultural-institute/events/literary-salon-series/#thursday-26-october-book-launch-vulcana-rebecca-f-john-in-conversation-with-elaine-canning=is-expanded

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