Join us for an evening with Effie Black, author of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024 longlisted novel ‘In Defence of the Act’ (époque press).

Effie's debut novel, In Defence of the Act, tells the story of Jessica Miller, a suicide researcher who secretly believes suicide might actually be a good thing, until something happens that makes her question everything.

Jessica holds opinions that might initially shock some readers, viewing the world via a detached, scientific lens. But through Jessica’s sometimes surprisingly funny narration, Effie Black is able to confront the difficult topic of suicide head-on, whilst weaving in themes of grief and trauma, forgiveness and resilience, and exploring what it means to be a queer member of a family.

Following Jessica's journey, the book recounts the crucial relationships that have moulded her, and investigates what it means to be a friend, a lover and a carer.

Event Schedule:

• Welcome and introduction
• 5-minute reading by Effie Black
• Q&A session with founder of époque press and Effie Black
• Audience Q&A

About the Author: Effie Black is a London-based writer with a background in science. She enjoys writing from a queer perspective and she likes bringing a spot of science into her fiction too. Effie's short stories have appeared in Litro and the epoque press e-zine. In Defence of the Act is Effie's debut novel.

More about the book: https://www.epoquepress.com/titles-in-defence-of-the-act