Thursday 30th January, Miss Ruby’s Bookshop proprietors, Robin Tennant Wood and Roger Pye, hosted their first book launch for “The Infidel” by Elisabetta L. Faenza. There was standing room only on the steamy afternoon as the intimate gathering was entertained by the personal and insightful words by Hon Dr Margaret Reid AO, who launched the book.
Dr Reid quoted one reviewer: “This debut novel is a mammoth achievement. Set in Europe and the Middle East in the 1200s, this story weaves together the adventures of Gian and Lara. Powered by extensive historical research, characterisation, counterpoint plot, and sumptuous geography this romantic adventure has it all. Looking forward to the next book in the trilogy to find out what happens to our hero Gian next!”
Dr Reid and Elisabetta had first met in 1983 when Elisabetta was the Queen of Canberra, through her fundraising and work for the physically handicapped in the ACT. Dr Reid was a member of the ACT Senate for 25 years.
Elisabetta explained that the term ‘infidel’ is used by members of each faith to describe followers of alternative faiths. It is the concept of “the other” or “the outsider”. “The Infidel” was 25 years in the making and it is the first book in a trilogy with the second book in the editing stage. Elisabetta is also researching a new book about her local family history, on her mother’s side, the Backhouse family.
“The Infidel” is available for purchase from Miss Ruby’s Bookshop.
