Join much loved radio presenter Simon Mayo as he talks about his debut historical novel, Mad Blood Stirring – an astonishing fictional account of an explosive piece of neglected history.
The Anglo-American conflict of 1812 is one of history’s forgotten episodes, but as well as The White House being torched by British troops, many Americans were taken prisoner and shipped back to Britain, where they were incarcerated within the iconically grim granite walls of Dartmoor Prison.
1815: The war is over but for the inmates at Dartmoor Prison, peace – like home – is still a long way away.
On the eve of the year 1815, the American sailors of the Eagle finally arrive at Dartmoor prison; bedraggled, exhausted but burning with hope. They’ve only had one thing to sustain them – a snatched whisper overheard along the way. The war is over. Joe Hill thought he’d left the war outside these walls but it’s quickly clear that there’s a different type of fight to be had within. The seven prison blocks surrounding him have been segregated; six white and one black. As his voice rings out across the courtyard, announcing the peace, the redcoat guards bristle and the inmates stir. The powder keg was already fixed to blow and Joe has just lit the fuse. Elizabeth Shortland, wife of the Governor looks down at the swirling crowd from the window of her own personal prison. The peace means the end is near, that she needn’t be here for ever. But suddenly, she cannot bear the thought of leaving.
Inspired by a true story, Mad Blood Stirring tells of a few frantic months in the suffocating atmosphere of a prison awaiting liberation. It is a story of hope and freedom, of loss and suffering. It is a story about how sometimes, in our darkest hour, it can be the most unlikely of things that see us through.
We’re delighted to be hosting this lunchtime event with Simon – don’t miss this chance to meet him and hear about the inspiration for his novel.
Tickets: £15 (With book - includes a signed copy of Mad Blood Stirring) or £10 (Without book - £5 redeemable against a signed copy of Mad Blood Stirring). Tickets available from the bookshop, or purchase online (with booking fee)