Paterson Joseph Enthralls At Wimbledon Bookfest
His debut novel re-imagines a fascinating 18th century life
Queue for Paterson Joseph book-signing
It soon became apparent at this year's Wimbledon Bookfest that Paterson Joseph is a richly talented man, as the actor and author enthralled the audience in the Merton Arts Space at Wimbledon Library on Friday (October 13).
His debut novel 'The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho' is just out in paperback and the highlight of this hour-long discussion with Sofia Akel was the excerpts he read with such passion and authority.
The book re-imagines the life of Charles Ignatius Sancho, who was born on an 18th century slave ship, but went on to lead a varied and successful life as a musician, author and friends of nobility. His ownership of a Westminster grocery shop even led him to become the first black person to vote in Britain.
While this is clearly a fascinating story, the acting talents of Paterson Joseph helped bring Sancho vividly back to life to a 21st century Wimbledon audience. It was no wonder there was a long queue to buy a signed copy of the novel after the post-discussion audience Q&A came to an end.
By Sue Choularton
October 15, 2023