Carolyn O’Brien’s novel, The Song of Peterloo tells the powerful story of Manchester mill-worker, Nancy Kay. Desperate to provide for her ailing mother and sensitive son, Nancy is drawn into the agitation for reform. But as she risks everything to attend a great assembly on St Peter’s Field, Nancy is unaware the day will go down in history not as triumph, but as tragedy; the Peterloo massacre.

Carolyn will be in conversation explaining her inspiration for the novel and exploring its central theme of change, as well as taking questions and book-signing.

Carolyn was born and brought up in Manchester and studied English at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge before qualifying as a solicitor. Her short stories have appeared in a number of anthologies, magazines and on-line. The Song of Peterloo is her debut novel. It is published by Legend Press on 1 August 2019.

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About Peterloo 2019

Peterloo 2019 is a project that is led by Manchester Histories and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Working with key cultural organisations and communities across Greater Manchester it is delivering a programme of activity that combines public events, learning opportunities and creative exploration.