Nuala Ellwood - My Sister's Bones

On Thursday night I went along to Nuala Ellwood's book launch for her new novel, My Sister's Bones. It was a brilliant event, hosted by Waterstones in York. Nuala had a in conversation discussion with her Editor, read from the novel and took questions from the audience. She spoke about how she taps into her stories by grounding them in landscape; about her research into female war reporters and PTSD, which feature in the novel and about her own experience of connecting with these ideas and her own writing. It was a truly fascinating discussion and one, I could tell, the whole audience wished could have lasted longer.

The book itself is out now  and explores the lives of two sisters. Kate Rafter is a successful war reporter. She's the strong one. The one who escaped Herne Bay and the memories it holds. Her sister Sally didn't. Instead, she drinks. When their mother dies, Kate is forced to return to the old family home. And on her first night she is woken by a terrifying scream.

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Nuala will be back in York on March 28th, when she will be talking about her book at Betty's (afternoon tea included - fancy), as part of the York Literature Festival.  I am currently four chapters into the book and totally gripped, so I would strongly recommend buying a copy, getting along to the event at Betty's and seeking out other opportunities to hear Nuala talked so passionately and openly about her work, research and craft. 

The York Literature Festival itself is packed with great events and runs from the 16th to 30th of March. Hope to see you there!