In Conversation with Gail Holmes

In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era.

The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances, an avid book collector, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024.

Bestselling author of TheDictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’

Attendee price: $10 bookings essential incl. light refreshment. Tickets can also be purchased at the Library. More information at https://ballaratmi.org.au/libr...

Presented in partnership with Collins Booksellers on Lydiard.

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This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.