Wick author pens new book based on ancestor who may have inspired The Scarlet Pimpernel
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A Wick woman's latest novel is based on one of her ancestors who may have been the inspiration for Baroness Orcszy’s hero in The Scarlet Pimpernel.
Julie Adams’ new work is called The Scottish Agent Book 1:1789 and is the first in a series of historical novels set during the French Revolution featuring Jacob A Rose.
JA Rose was a prominent figure during the Revolution and the Reign of Terror that led to many losing their heads to the infamous guillotine. Rose was said to have been instrumental in saving many lives during that period and even arrested Robespierre, the very architect of the Reign of Terror.
It is believed by some that Rose's exploits may have provided the inspiration for The Scarlet Pimpernel's dashing hero, Sir Percy Blakeney.
Set a challenge to undertake a writing apprenticeship during lockdown, this is Julie’s fifth novel. She said: "It’s always interesting to hear about key moments in history from the point of view of those who witnessed them.
"JA Rose appears in my family tree, and I’ve always been intrigued by him. He was an official of the National Assembly, rather than a politician, so there’s only a very small amount of information about him in history textbooks. My paternal great grandmother was a Rose and knew the story which was passed down through the family.
"I’ve created a small cast of characters who will appear in several books, each of which deals with a different aspect of those turbulent years. As a History/English graduate, and a lifelong learner I’ve enjoyed the research very much."
The book is available as an ebook and also as a paperback from Amazon at amzn.eu/d/0lhTVu6
Julie now lives in Angus where she combines writing with volunteering at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath.
