Book cover of Vulcana

Book description

'Telling the frankly jaw-dropping story of real life Victorian strongwoman Vulcana, it held me spellbound. A master storyteller at her absolute peak.' Liz Hyder

On a winter's night in 1892, Kate Williams, the daughter of a Baptist Minister, leaves Abergavenny and sets out for London with a wild plan: she…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Vulcana as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I was fascinated by this tale of a Welsh clergyman’s daughter who, remarkably, became a Strongwoman in late Victorian London. And, even more amazing is the fact that it’s based on a true story! The plucky and talented Miriam Kate Williams becomes known as Vulcana and joins a troupe of performers.

Told like a five-act play with intermissions, we follow her fortunes, her loves, the pull and dangers of the city, motherhood, and much else. I loved this breathless, exhilarating, and highly original novel that exposes an aspect of performing on stage that receives little attention today.

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