The story begins in London in 1893. Newly widowed Cora Seaborne seeks refuge in the sea air of Aldwinter, a coastal parish gripped by religious fundamentalism. When rumours reach her that the mythical Essex Serpent, once said to claim lives on the marshes, has returned, she becomes enthralled – certain that the magical beast could be a yet-undiscovered species.
This is the era of Darwin and Dickens, and the story sets up a clash between faith and superstition and reason and science. In Perry’s telling, it’s a world not so far from our own – one of great inequality which links morality and poverty. The book was the 2016 British Book Awards’ Book of the Year, and a TV adaptation arrives this May, directed by Clio Barnard and starring Claire Danes as Cora and Tom Hiddleston as vicar William Ransome.
This event is part of our online Book Club series, in which leading writers discuss their best-loved novels and the creative process. And because it’s a book club, there might be spoilers. Perry will be talking to Alison Flood and will be answering your questions too.
Running time: 60 minutes
This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the event. After registering, please refer to your confirmation email for access to the event.
Closed captions will be available for this event.
If you live in the United Kingdom, you can purchase a ticket with a paperback copy of The Essex Serpent at checkout for a special combined price of £15.50 (RRP £8.99).
This event is being streamed globally.
8pm BST | 9pm CEST | 12pm PDT | 3pm EDT
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If you are unable to join at the time of streaming, this event will be available to watch on demand in the days following. A link to the recording will be sent to all ticket holders.
