International bestselling author and former Bridport Prize Judge, Tracy Chevalier, is returning to Bridport Arts Centre on Friday 3 May, 7.30pm to talk about her new novel, The Last Runaway.
Tracy’s latest novel The Last Runaway features a home-grown heroine. Young Quaker Honor Bright emigrates from Bridport to the United States in 1850 and becomes involved in a movement helping runaway slaves reach freedom. While her Bridport background may be a touchstone, throughout the story she learns how to be American. There, in the last days of slavery, she faces a dilemma. Should she hide the runaways hunted by ruthless men? And does the Quaker community opposed to slavery have the courage to help her defy the law?
Tracy will bring Honor back home in readings from the book, and will discuss her research, answering the question: why Bridport?
US-born Chevalier has lived in London since 1984. She has written six previous novels, including Girl with a Pearl Earring, which sold four million copies worldwide and was made into a film starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. Her works are known for their rich evocation of the past.
Tickets £10 with all funds going to Bridport Arts Centre’s Building Development Fund. To book tickets for contact 01308 424204 or visit www.bridport-arts.com.
