Tracy Chevalier

Ms Chevalier spoke about the writing of her latest novel, ‘The Last Runaway’, which deals with slavery in 19th century Ohio, and she read two lengthy extracts from it. A tip for authors: it’s always much more interesting for an audience to learn about your approach to the craft of writing than to hear the end result. We’re likely to have read the novel and don’t particularly want to hear passages from it. The Q&A covered such diverse subjects as quilting and writing tips for those considering embarking upon their own historical novel. Something of a curate’s egg, enjoyable rather than genuinely informative.

Theatre Royal, 10 May 2013

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