The Oystercatcher of Southwark
19th-Century Historical Fiction
The Story
Philadelphia, 1897 — On the shores of the Delaware River, Italian Catholic Mary Paragano dreams of a happily ever after. However, when she defies her family and runs away to marry Jakob, a Jewish boy, her fairy tale takes an unexpected turn. Disowned by her father, abandoned by Jakob, and pursued by a jealous gangster, Mary's life spirals into tragedy, culminating in accusations of attempting to harm her own children and a harrowing end in an asylum.
Philadelphia, present-day — Bella, Mary's great-great-granddaughter, grapples with the aftermath of her recent divorce. Amidst her pain, a mysterious stranger named Sophie enters her life, claiming to be related to Jakob, the man who left Mary to her devastating fate over a century ago. Together, Bella and Sophie unravel the layers of Mary's haunting past, question the stories they've been told, and uncover the impact of these historical secrets on their modern-day lives.
Based on the remarkable true story of the author's great-great-grandmother, The Oystercatcher of Southwark takes readers on a poignant journey through the immigrant neighborhoods of South Philadelphia. This deftly-woven novel explores the profound love of a mother for her children and the redemptive hope that transcends time.
Inspiration for the Novel
Erica grew up outside Philadelphia hearing rumors that her great-great-grandmother Mary tried to drown her children and then herself in the Delaware River before being committed to an asylum. Captivated, she pictured the scene every time she passed the river.
After years of research, the author has taken the family legend surrounding Mary's tragic life and turned it into a historical fiction full of adventure, engaging characters, and enduring lessons of faith & love.
Mary
Mary was Author Erica Colahan's great-great-grandmother. Her granddaughter used this photograph to paint two portraits of her. One of these portraits has hung in the family home for more than 100 years.
In addition, the portrait served as inspiration for the striking cover image of The Oystercatcher of Southwark designed by Roseanna M. White, Author, Publisher, and co-owner of Chrism Press, a division of WhiteFire Publishing.
Navigate to Chrism PressHistorical Fiction set in 19th-century Philadelphia
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