A tale of four intertwined lives

Nov. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- ‘Take this woman into custody,’ thunders the Reverend. ‘Arrest her. She has viciously attacked me, and in that bundle is wrapped a dead child!’

It is 1860: four lives intertwine. Chrissy Hogarth is arrested in St Dunstan's church while a blizzard blows outside. Lokim – a gentle herdsman – is attacked by a lion in the heat of central Africa. James Stewart – a medical student – tutors the children of the great David Livingstone, while in Dundee Mina Stephen – the daughter of a rich shipbuilder – nurses a growing social conscience. Before they meet, Chrissy must remember a traumatic event and Lokim will suffer the privations of a terrible journey. James must face the realities of life and death on the Zambezi and Mina will learn that a dark secret is concealed within her privileged family home.

“Dappled Light came about when, one afternoon, I opened up a box that had belonged to my great great grandfather, Duncan Wilkie Paterson. The box contained papers about a court case which had been brought against Alexander Stephen, which included letters from his son Andrew. Intrigued, I found out more about my Stephen ancestors,” says Jessica, who based the novel around events described in contemporary letters, journals and a 1908 biography.

The book captures the idealism of Stewart, whose reputation was damaged by rumours of a relationship with Mary Livingstone, but who went on to dedicate his many talents to the ending of slavery, the advancement of education and the promotion of racial equality.

“Fascinating, uplifting and extremely readable. I loved this.” Katie Fforde

Jessica Markwell was born in Ghana in 1954. After graduating from Manchester University with a degree in Medieval Studies, she worked as an archaeologist, a nurse, a midwife and a family mediator. She now lives high on a hillside in mid Wales with her husband and two chocolate Labradors.

PUBLICATION DATE 1st November 2013

eISBN: 9781783069101       Price: £3.99