Medieval tale forewarns of future pandemic: Mary A. Osborne's new novel recalling the Black Death to launch at Zhou B Art Center
Mar 19, 2015, 11:00 ET
CHICAGO, March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport will host a pre-release party for Chicago author Mary A. Osborne's new novel, Alchemy's Daughter (Lake Street Press, May 2015), on Friday, April 17, 2015 from 6 - 9 p.m. The launch will take place in conjunction with the Center's "Third Fridays" exhibition and open studios event.
Amid current fears surrounding "superbugs" and the Ebola virus, Ms. Osborne, who is a registered nurse, has written a tale that offers a historical perspective on midwifery and the Great Plague of 1348.
Ms. Osborne says, "Europe's 14th century plague is a reminder of the havoc pandemics can create. As our current supply of antibiotics is becoming more and more ineffective, we need to carefully consider our preparedness to cope with infectious disease."
In Ms. Osborne's novel, which appeals to both adults and young adults, seventeen-year-old Santina is determined to follow in the footsteps of the village midwife, who is a suspected witch. The book won the gold award in the Literary Classics Youth Media Competition.
Both the launch party and the Zhou B. Art Center's "Third Fridays"--in which visitors can view current exhibitions and meet working artists in their studios--are free and open to the public. The launch party will be located on the first floor of the Art Center at 1029 W. 35th St in Chicago, IL.
Acclaim for Alchemy's Daughter:
Kirkus Reviews:
"Brimming with details of life in Italy during the plague of 1348, this well-researched story incorporates historical information about medieval alchemy, midwifery, and the conflict between science and superstition, providing a rich context and arresting contrast for Santina's thoroughly modern attitudes."
About Mary A. Osborne:
Mary A. Osborne is also the author of Nonna's Book of Mysteries. A graduate of Rush University and Knox College, Ms. Osborne is a registered nurse and holds degrees in chemistry and nursing. To learn more about the author visit MaryAOsborne.com.
Book Information:
- Trade Paperback ▪ 5.5" x 8.5"
- 288 pages
- $16.95
- Publication date: May 15, 2015
- ISBN: 978-1-936181-17-9
Ordering Information:
Available wholesale from Partners Book Distributing at 800-336-3137. Email orders to [email protected]. Also available from Baker & Taylor, Ingram, any bookstore or online retailer.
Press Contact: [email protected]
Media Contact: Tam Dillman, [email protected], 773-406-9144
Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150318/183053
SOURCE Lake Street Press