Forum Books Presents Kim Willis

FORUM Books are delighted to welcome journalist Kim Willis to the North East to celebrate her debut books No Fair Maidens, which pushes the genre boundaries between memoir, British mythology and nature writing to deliver a last tale for the modern woman.As Kim drifts from the traditional path of marriage and motherhood, she yearns for a new set of stories to light her way.

Here, she is pulled towards the source of the Severn, hearing whispers of ancient matriarchs: shape-shifting enchantresses, scaly nymphs and goddesses who once commanded our lands.

These are no fair maidens, but powerful warrioresses and animalistic beasts, snaking along the edges of watery places where we meet the otherworld in the shadows.As she uncovers the ancient myths hidden in the rugged landscapes of the British Isles, the stories of women like Arianrhod, Melusine and Cerridwen awaken a forgotten power.

Journeying from the Severn to Skye, Eryri to Northumberland, Kim discovers new magic in the tales of old, unveiling forgotten truths about grief and healing, while charting a new course through sisterhood and sexuality, fertility and freedom.

Through the threads of folklore, history and landscape, Kim identifies a better way of being for modern women, and crafts a new vision for Britain where women are - and always were - a force of nature.After the event please join Kim and the FORUM Books team for a short walk along the Tyne in the almost Midsummer sun in keeping with the book.Your ticket includes a free welcome drink.