In conversation

Saltblood: Francesca De Tores in conversation with Robyn Mundy

An epic historical fiction debut inspired by real life female pirates.

In a rented room outside Plymouth in 1685, a daughter is born as her half-brother is dying. Her mother makes a decision: Mary will become Mark. Mary’s dual existence leads her to the ocean, and in time she will become something more dangerous than a woman.

She will become a pirate.

Breathing life into the Golden Age of Piracy, Saltblood is a wild adventure, a treasure trove, weaving an intoxicating tale of gender and survival, passion and loss, journeys and transformation, through the story of Mary Read, one of history’s most remarkable figures.

Francesca De Tores is a novelist, poet and academic. She is the author of four previous novels (published under Francesca Haig). In addition to a collection of poems, her poetry is widely published in journals and anthologies. Saltblood is her first historical novel. She grew up in lutruwita/Tasmania and, after fifteen years in England, is now living in Naarm/Melbourne.

Francesca will be in conversation with Robyn Mundy, author of Cold Coast, La Femme au Renard Bleu, Wildlight and The Nature of Ice.

Tickets are $10, and include a glass of wine (or cold drink).