Press Kit & FAQ
Media Resources
Book Club Guide
5 Quick Questions to get you started!
If you discovered a dark or tragic secret about your great-great-grandmother, would you want to investigate it as Bella did, or leave the past alone?
Name the true villain in the novel. (Hint: maybe the villain isn't a character).
How did the secondary characters contribute to the story? Did you have a favorite or least favorite side character?
Why do you think Mary refused to speak in the asylum?
If you could interview one of your ancestors, who would it be and why?
The Full Book Club Kit includes a deep dive into the key themes in the book including the distortion of history, systematic injustice & prejudice, and agency & choice.
Want to know what is true and what is fiction? The author includes a breakdown!
NOTE: The Full Book Club Kit Contains Spoilers!
Press Kit
Short Bio
Erica lives near Philadelphia and relies on copious amounts of coffee to shepherd her busy offspring while working full-time, pursuing her hobbies, and writing historical fiction.
Medium Bio
Erica lives in the Philadelphia region with her large family. She relies on copious amounts of coffee and the grace of God to keep up with her busy offspring while working full-time and pursuing her hobbies. A numbers gal working in the accounting department, Erica fills every free moment with reading and creative writing. You can find her historical fiction and stories of humor and hope on her website. Erica loves to knit, walk in the woods, kayak on the lake, and listen to her children say "Mom! Mom!" all day.
Long Bio
Erica lives in the Philadelphia region with her large family. She relies on copious amounts of coffee and the grace of God to keep up with her busy offspring while working full-time and pursuing her hobbies. A numbers gal working in the accounting department, Erica fills every free moment with reading and creative writing. You can find her historical fiction and stories of humor and hope on her website. 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 insane asylum. Captivated, Erica pictured the scene every time she passed the river. After years of research, she brought Mary’s story to life with a cast of supporting characters in her deftly-woven novel, The Oystercatcher of Southwark. Published by Chrism Press, the historical fiction explores the profound love of a mother for her children and the redemptive hope that transcends time. Erica is an active member of Hope*Writers, ACFW, WFWA, and CWG. She loves to knit, walk in the woods, kayak on the lake, and listen to her children say “Mom! Mom!" all day.
Book Information
- The Oystercatcher of Southwark
- Historical Fiction
- Novel
- South Philadelphia, PA
- Late 19th Century
- Published: July 1, 2024
- Chrism Press
- ISBN: 979-8-88709-042-9 (print paperback)
Based on the true-life events of the author’s family, the main character in THE OYSTERCATCHER OF SOUTHWARK is separated from her family in 1897 and disappears from history until her great-great-granddaughter and a stranger discover their family connection and pursue the truth, hoping to heal generational wounds.
Purchase on AmazonBack Cover Copy
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.
Praise for The Oystercatcher of Southwark
"Author Erica Colahan immediately caught my interest with her debut novel The Oystercatcher of Southwark. This multi-generational story is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the poignancy of youthful romance tempered with the often harsh edge of reality. Always, though, hope abounds and truth will be found out."
"Based on a true story, The Oystercatcher of Southwark, by Erica Colahan is an emotional journey of discovery, forgiveness, and freedom. This split-time saga displays the struggles of Italian and Jewish immigrants when prejudice and power are wielded against them. However, the tragic life of one Italian woman will inspire a future generation and readers alike."
"The Oystercatcher of Southwark is a beautiful story where unimaginable struggles, faith, and ultimately redemption weave together into a narrative that's both heartbreaking and inspiring. Colahan's unique voice shines through this debut dual-time novel that will enthrall readers from beginning to end."
"From the first heartbreaking scene of this story, Colahan takes the reader on a journey that spans a century and two divergent cultures. Her use of imagery paints a clear picture and makes the story come alive through well-drawn characters. Be prepared to weep, cringe, and chuckle as you walk with Mary and Jakob through their tumultuous relationship. The strength of family theme that runs throughout will stay with you long after you finish the book."
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