Author Works: Paterson Joseph "The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho"

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“A winning first novel…With the conjuring tricks of historical fiction, Joseph has taken an actual man and, two and a half centuries later, made him as thoroughly himself, and as fully present, as he was the first time round.” ― Thomas Mallon, New York Times Book Review

“[T]he rollicking fictionalized memoirs of a real-life Black British trailblazer . . . An entertaining portrait that also illuminates rare opportunities for Black people in 18th-century London.” ― Kirkus Reviews

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The New York Public Library “Book of the Day”
Historical Writers’ Association Debut Historical Crown 2023 Winner
Royal Society of Literature’s Christopher Bland Prize Winner
Shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction
Nibbie at the British Book Awards, 2023
Named one of NPR’s “Books We Love” for 2023

Paterson Joseph is a beloved British actor and writer. Recently seen on Vigil, Noughts + Crosses and Boat Story, he has also starred in The Leftovers and Law & Order UK and he also plays Arthur Slugworth in the Wonka movie. He has won the Royal Society of Literature’s Christopher Bland prize and the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Historical Crown 2023 award.

The Secret Diaries of Ignatius Sancho is his debut novel, and is a story that begins on a slave ship in the Atlantic and ends at the very center of London life. It is a lush and immersive tale of adventure, artistry, romance, and freedom set in eighteenth-century England and based on the true story of the first Black person to vote in Britain, who lead the fight to end slavery. Joseph channels the writing style of the day and draws on the real-life Sancho’s diaries to give voice to his hero’s interior life.

Books will be available for purchase and the author will be signing books post event. 

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