Nottinghamshire Law Society has collaborated with The Bookcase at Lowdham to provide our members with access to the newest literary works. This partnership also offers the chance to participate in book club discussions that delve into the stories, authors' writing styles, and narrative techniques.
Starting off the reading list for September is The Maiden, an engaging piece of literature penned by Kate Foster. Based on a true crime story, this novel has been honoured with the esteemed Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect Prize. Foster's The Maiden delivers a remarkable storyline, re-envisioned through a feminist lens, challenging the historical narratives that have suppressed women's voices.
Based on a true story of execution set in Edinburgh in 17th century, In November 1679 a young married woman, Christian Nimmo, was executed for the murder of her uncle by marriage and lover, Lord Forrester. The instrument of death was the Maiden, a device that preceded the more famous guillotine by 200 years.
“An execution machine with a wooden frame and an iron blade. A fearsome contraption the height of two men. Reserved for the beheadings of nobility, its swift mechanism is thought to be less painful than the axe, but none of its victims have lived to bear witness of course.” (page 3 – The Maiden)
“Christian Nimmo is arrested and charted with the murder of her lover, James Forrester. News of her impending trial is splashed across the broadsides, with headlines that leave little room for doubt.
Only a year ago, Lady Christian was leading a love of privilege and married respectability. What led her to risk everything for an affair?
And does that make her guilty of murder?
She wasn’t the only woman in Forrester’s life and certainly not the only one who had a motive to kill him…”
“A masterpiece…. Vivid, evocative and full of humanity” - Janice Hallett
“Exceptional – a tense, thrilling investigation, with a decidedly feminist slam” - Daily Mail
“Riveting…. a mystery full of twists” – The Times
“A daring, feminist debut novel - now a Times bestseller!” - Google Books Review
Join The Bookcase Book club to read and discuss The Maiden on Monday 23rd September at either their afternoon or evening sessions:
· Monday 23rd September Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
· Monday 23rd September Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Tickets include a copy of the book plus refreshments.
Full price £15 | Concessions £13 | Friends of Bookcase £12
Contact the Box Office on 0115 966 3219 or email janestreeter@thebookcase.co.uk
