A mysterious midnight ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight forms the opening of a new ghost story set in Ventnor, with award-winning Island author Emily Bullock set to reveal the inspiration behind her latest novel at a special library event.
Emily, who grew up on the Isle of Wight and has recently returned to live on the Island, will visit Ventnor Library on 30th October to discuss her new book, Almost a Ghost Story.
The free event, which begins at 18:30, will give readers the opportunity to discover how Ventnor and the wider Isle of Wight helped shape the novel’s characters, setting and storyline.
Set in and around Ventnor and the Isle of Wight Fringe Festival, Almost a Ghost Story follows 4 passengers aboard a midnight ferry crossing whose lives and destinies become tragically entwined.
During the evening, Emily will explain how familiar Island locations and landscapes inspired the atmospheric story, as well as answering questions about her writing career and creative process.
The author has previously received national recognition for her work, winning the Bristol Short Story Prize.
Her debut novel, The Longest Fight, was shortlisted for the Cross Sports Book Awards and named among The Independent’s Paperbacks of the Year.
Louise Emery, Development Librarian, has said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Emily Bullock back to Ventnor Library to talk about her latest novel.
“Emily has a strong connection to the Isle of Wight and it’s wonderful to see local places and communities reflected in her work.
“This event is a fantastic opportunity for readers to meet an accomplished author, learn more about the inspiration behind her writing and celebrate a novel that is firmly rooted in the Island. We expect plenty of interest, so we’d encourage people to reserve a place early.”
Copies of Almost a Ghost Story are already available to borrow from Ventnor Library, with the novel also set to become available as a reading group collection for Island book clubs following the event.
Signed copies can be purchased from Waterstones in Newport, while Emily will have copies of all her novels available to buy at the library event, with cash payments only.
Admission is free, but spaces are limited.
Anyone wishing to attend can reserve a place by visiting Ventnor Library or calling 01983 852039.
