Join us for the book launch of FORTUNE by Amanda Smyth with guests Ira Mathur, Jeremy Poynting, Jonathan Davidson and Melanie Abrahams

‘A thrilling, gripping, moving book about love, desire, and making something of one’s life…written in some of the most beautifully lyrical and clear prose I’ve read in a very long time.’

- NEEL MUKHERJEE

Eddie Wade has recently returned from the US oilfields. He is determined to sink his own well - despite the dangers - to make his fortune. His sights are set on Sonny Chatterjee’s oil-rich cocoa estate. Although big corporations want to get their hands on his land, Sonny puts his faith in Eddie. When a fortuitous meeting with businessman Tito Fernandez brings Eddie the investor he desperately needs, the three men enter into a partnership. A friendship between Tito and Eddie begins that will change their lives forever. But when Tito introduces Eddie to his wife Ada, things become complicated.

Hampered by mosquitoes, heat, monsoon rains and superstitious fears, Eddie and Tito’s fortune eventually materialises, shooting from the ground and filling thousands of barrels of oil. But as the pressure builds with signs of danger nearby, and Sonny threatens to sell up, Eddie and Tito decide to sink one last well, hoping that their luck will hold.

With so much money at stake and many lives on the line is there any hope of a happy ending? Re-imagining the 1928 Dome Fire in which 17 people perished, this is a remarkable story which deserves to be told.

Amanda Smyth will read excerpts from the book and be in conversation with journalist and writer Ira Mathur and Director of Writing West Midlands Jonathan Davidson following an introduction by Jeremy Poynting (editor, and founder of Peepal Tree Press). The event will be hosted by Melanie Abrahams, literature curator and founder of Renaissance One, and guests will have an opportunity to ask the author questions.

The event is a partnership between Peepal Tree Press and Renaissance One.

Tickets are free. Online via Zoom