For this event we will be joined by teacher, attorney, and author Amy M. Watson whose “soul awakens when visiting libraries, museums, and historic sites”. Infants of the Brush, her debut novel, is historical fiction based on Armory v. Delamirie, a 1700s court case before the King’s Bench against Paul de Lamerie, a silversmith. In the vein of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, Infants of the Brush is set in a time when London society ignored the ills of child labor. Unlike the gleeful chimney sweeps portrayed in Mary Poppins, climbing boys were forced up burning flues to dislodge harmful soot and coal ash.
Egan Whitcombe is just six years old when he is sold to Master Armory for a few coins that his family desperately needs. As one of Master Armory’s eight broomers, Egan quickly learns that his life depends on absolute obedience and the coins he earns, as he struggles to save five guineas, the cost of a broomer’s independence.
Come meet the author of this moving tale on Wednesday, January 11 at 7 pm in the Robbins Library Community Room (lower level). All are welcome at this free event.