Retold: Stories from the Other Side

Date - Friday 17th July   Location - Afrori Books

Doors Open - 6.30pm

Join us for an evening with two incredible authors as we look at what it's like to write about overlooked women, and the power of retelling stories. It's an event you won't want to miss. Chaired by Claire Linney.

Elle Machray grew up in Birmingham to St Lucian and Scottish parents. After graduating from the HarperCollins Author Academy, their debut novel Remember, Remember was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Prize, judged by  and shortlisted for Scotland’s National Book Award – First Book of the Year. Elle has also featured on The List’s Top 100 influential people.

Havisham - Charlotte Havisham has a secret. She's been underestimated for too long: by her former fiancé, Compeyson; by her family; and by society. But now her true heart's desire is within reach for the first time. And she will stop at nothing to get it. 

E.S. McLeod is an author and podcaster. She has written two YA novels under the name Ella McLeod: Rapunzella, Or, Don’t Touch My Hair is a retelling of the Rapunzel story that explores themes of race, gender and coming of age. It was nominated for the prestigious Branford Boase Award and received rave reviews.

Andromeda - A myth rewritten. A name reclaimed. Blessed by the gods with unparalleled beauty, Andromeda lives a life of ease within her Aethiopian palace walls. The young princess has no concerns other than the royal expectations – until a single, fateful proclamation changes everything. When  Poseidon, fearsome God of the Seas, delivers a deadly ultimatum that puts the queen’s life in Andromeda’s hands. 

Claire Linney is a children’s author and book influencer who has become a go-to for diverse book recommendations for kid and teens. A lifelong reader she is passionate about advocating for more diverse representation in literature. She also writes children's books that bring figures from Black British history to life in fast-paced, time travel adventures. Her debut children's book Time Tub Travellers and the Silk Thief won the Ink Book Prize 2024, was the Reader's Choice in The Diverse Book Awards 2025 and Highly Commended in the Selfies Book Awards 2025.