We're thrilled to announce that beloved writer and actor Paterson Joseph will be launching the paperback of debut novel The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho at Bookbag.
When Paterson first came across the incredible story of Charles Ignatius Sancho he was immediately struck by Sancho. Here was a Black man, who had been born upon a slave ship, and ended up living a remarkable life in Georgian London. Sancho was a successful musician, a playwright, an actor, the first Black man to vote in England, was an early abolitionist and very much part of London society at the time. For a period, Sancho was thought to be the man in the iconic RAMM painting, Portrait Of A Man In A Red Suit although more recently historians have been discounted this. Fascinated by Sancho's story and drawn to his character, Paterson began to research his life, first writing and performing the play Sancho: An Act of Remembrance, and later writing his debut novel The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho.Published last year to much acclaim, it’s a wonderful imagining of Sancho’s life, a funny, bawdy, at times harrowing, wild ride of historical fiction.
Joseph is also a celebrated actor of both stage (Royal Shakespeare Company) and screen (Peepshow, Noughts & Crosses, The Beach, the up-coming Wonka) and we're so delighted to be holding his book launch at Bookbag. Hosting the conversation will be academic and film-maker Dr John Sealey. There will be a Q&A, and book signing after the event.
Held at McCoys Arcade at Sacred Grounds Cafe, a bites menu and delicious drinks will be available on the night.
Tickets here