The Bloomsbury Boardroom with its wood panelling and original fireplaces, overlooking Soho Square and its lovely gardens was a perfect setting for a soiree celebrating the publication of  Celia Rees'latest historical novel .Sovay The intimate venue was ideal for the gathering of family, friends, librarians and booksellers. Louise Ellis-Barrett attended for Write Away and sent this report.

Looking down at the guests from the walls of the room were the innocent and compelling eyes of the young girl chosen to portray Sovay. Designed in ‘Wanted Poster’ style, Celia commented that of all the girls found by the photographer this one was the most compelling and convincing for the cover of the book. She carries the determined air of a young girl fighting for her life and robbing for love…

The story of a young girl turned highway robber set amidst the turmoil of the French Revolution is one that took Celia eighteen months of research to produce but that has been years in the planning. Based on a  traditional ballad the story of Sovay had intrigued Celia for many years and it was a conversation with fellow author and friend Susan Price that finally convinced Celia to go ahead and write her own version of the story.

Upon completion of each of her historical novels Celia has always been presented with an item of jewellery. On this occasion Celia’s editor presented her with a lovely ‘thank you’ bunch of flowers; what Celia was really hankering after was a diamond ring, the significance of which will become clear to anyone who reads the story…