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…
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.
From Angela's list on life stories about actors and performers.
If you love Vulcana...
December on 5C4
Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!
On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…
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