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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · 2d

I'm relieved to live in modern times when doctors don't tolerate one woman in ten dying after childbirth. Salutary reminder of how establishments resist change. Based on the true story of Semmelweis. bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/his...

A Theory in Vienna

In 1847, Dr Ignaz Semmelweis discovers how to save countless women from deadly childbirth infections — but his revolutionary idea is mocked. A Theory in Vienna...

bookguild.co.uk

Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · 2d

2025 #bookreview 21/n 💙📚⏳📚
A Theory in Vienna by Heidi Gallacher
Vienna 1847: motherhood is a deadly minefield. Earnest medic Ignaz is desperate to know why. But his colleagues block his discoveries, driving him to despair. Vividly depicts a medical establishment opposed to change & tragic results.

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · 9d

2025 #bookreview 20/n 💙📚
Long Island by Colm Toibin
Outmanoeuvred by her Italian American in-laws, Eilish visits her native Ireland, disrupts the fragile balance of a close-knit community & presents her first love Jim with a fateful choice. Gentle prose deepens the anguish of all three characters.

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · 20d

My (British) book club discussed this last night, concluding that it has more resonance to Americans who consumed Huckleberry Finn at school. Now on my TBR!

Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · 22d

I’d love that. I already have a world map in the spare bedroom which is perfect for understanding geopolitics…

Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · 23d

2025 #bookreview 19/n 💙📚 ⏳📚
James by Percival Everett
Runaway slave James dodges danger along Mississippi & protects Huck Finn, encountering shocking racism & unexpected friendship. Amid darkness & despair, James remains resilient, but angry. Breathless action & a subtle dive into language as code

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Sep 9

The early chapters from young Peggy's POV are vivid & sensual, with a strong theme of art & painting. Her beloved yet flawed parents are well-drawn and Molly's "episodes" are heart-rending. A light touch of satire on self-regarding Bath society. By contrast Meg's story was visceral & compelling.

Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Sep 9

2025 #bookreview 18/n 💙📚 ⏳📚
The Painters Daughters by @emilyhowes.bsky.social
Peggy Gainsborough fears losing her sister if her strange behaviour is discovered. Quirks of Bath society seen vividly through eyes of young girl, till marriage separates the sisters and a family secret brings catastrophe

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Sep 2

Born in Watford (NW London) but have lived in Kentish Town the last seven years within walking distance of Hampstead so it is my favourite reading location :)

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Sep 2

Thank you! I like to photograph my books in the wild. I was reading this in strong sunshine on Hampstead Heath.

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Aug 27

2025 #bookreview 17/n 💙📚 ⏳📚
Sea of Poppies by @amitav.bsky.social
Calcutta 1837. A French orphan, accidental sailor, deposed Raja, opium widow & boatman collide on former slave ship to Mauritius. Rollicking saga spiced with lascar lingo & colonial hubris amid the amoral collusion of opium trade

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Aug 18

Read online reviews and saw in window of @dauntbookspub.bsky.social Emotionally tense, conjuring up both Croatia's beauty and the challenges for its youth

Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Aug 18

2025 #bookreview 16/n 💙📚
Slanting towards the sea by Lidija HIlje
Tragic news for unfulfilled Ivona prompts her to divorce. Crisis for family estate brings chance of happiness but creates a painful emotional dilemma. Evokes tension as achingly beautiful Croatia emerges from war to uncertain future

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Aug 5

You’d certainly see incidents in the first half in a different light on a reread

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Aug 4

Powerful, tense writing. I read the second half in one sitting. Winner of @womensprize.bsky.social and @thebookerprizes.com

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Aug 4

2025 #bookreview 15/n 💙📚
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
Holland 1961. Solitary Isabel seeks safety in her family home. Unwanted houseguest Eva unsettles her, stirs up buried emotions and traumatic memories. Closeted desire & suspense builds until a revelation upends everything Isabel believed.

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Jul 24

2025 #bookreview 14/n 💙📚
There are rivers in the sky by @elifshafak.bsky.social
Sweeping epic connects ancient Nineveh, Victorian Gilgamesh scholar, Yazidi girl & melancholy scientist through Rivers Thames & Tigris. Questions antiquities trade, water pollution & genocide amid intricate, lush prose

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Jul 18

Inspiring talk by Elif Shafak 💙📚
Her roots in middle eastern oral storytelling with connection to nature & flowing time. Believes fiction brings us closer to reality & writers are the 'memory-keepers' of communities. Be curious readers, good listeners & turn emotions into writing
#writingcommunity

Elif Shafak on writing at the Conduit Club London

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Jul 7

I met Rachel on an @arvonfoundation.bsky.social course on #historicalfiction Thrilled to see her novel out in the world (now in paperback)

Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Jul 7

2025 #bookreview 13/n 💙📚
Costanza by @rachelblackmore.bsky.social
Time travel to sultry, oppressive 1630s Rome where egotistical Bernini entices naive yet spirited Costanza into a fateful affair. Sumptuous detail on clothes, customs & constraints on women. Satisfyingly, fiery Costanza rises again.

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Jul 5

Feeling proud of myself for writing two new scenes in the last couple of days to tighten up my plot. Nice change from endless edits #writingcommunity 📚💙

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Jul 2

Pacing, peril, plot twists and red herrings: how to deliver a thriller without misleading readers. Smart insights from @holly.bsky.social and Becca Day at @jerichowriters.bsky.social #lfow25 #booksky #writingcommunity

How to write a thriller with Holly Seddon and Becca Day

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Jun 29

Inspiring session on alternative routes to publication: digital, self publishing or hybrid at London Festival of writing #lfow25 @jerichowriters.bsky.social
#writingcommunity
#booksky

Panel on alternative routes to publishing with Troubador, Bookature and Debbie Young

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Jun 28

Here at #LFOW25 with 300 other writers
@jerichowriters.bsky.social
#booksky

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Carolyn Morgan @carolynmorgan.bsky.social · Jun 24

Looking forward to meeting other writers at the @jerichowriters.bsky.social London Festival of Writing this weekend. Let me know if you are going and I will look out for you. 💙📚 #writingcommunity
jerichowriters.com/events/festi...

An unmissable weekend of in-person writing workshops, keynote speeches and competitions live in London, England.

An unmissable weekend of in-person workshops, keynote speeches and competitions live in London, England.

jerichowriters.com

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