in conversation: Rebecca Smith and Alan Gillot of Stairwell Books

Saturday 2nd October

in the shop - midday - author talk - free entry

Please register here via Eventbrite if you wish to attend so we know how many people to expect on the day!

Join local author and University of Southampton lecturer Rebecca Smith in conversation with poet Alan Gillott, the co-director of Stairwell Books, a small independent publisher.

Are there big cats wild in the British Isles?

Shadow Cat Summer is the story of 12-year-old twins, Katrina and Alex, who find themselves staying in the Scottish Highlands with their Aunty Clara and Uncle Archie after their mum has a mental health crisis. Almost right away, the twins find themselves hunting for what seems to be a big cat. Farm animals are being attacked and there’s a trail of clues. But is this a case of two children missing their mum, and letting their fears get the better of them?

Best-selling children’s author Ali Sparkes writes: “A wonderfully atmospheric and lyrical story, unsentimental but so affecting.” Shadow Cat Summer is for readers of around 8+ but will be enjoyed by fans of Rebecca Smith’s other work too. She is the author of three books on Jane Austen and four other novels, most recently The Ash Museum.

Hear Rebecca reading from Shadow Cat Summer! This event is suitable for adults and children of junior school age and above but everybody is welcome. Come along, ask questions, get your book signed and chat about big cats in Great Britain.

Please register via Eventbrite if you wish to attend so we can manage numbers on the shop floor.

This is a free entry event, but if you'd like to sling October Books a donation, please do.

If you’d like to purchase or reserve a copy of ‘Shadow Cat Summer’ in advance of the event to collect on the day email us at info@octoberbooks.org

If you would like a copy delivered directly to your door click here.