What We Did in the Dark is a historical novel which vividly portrays the early life of novelist Catherine Carswell.
I made what may be called a rash and foolish marriage to a man I scarcely knew.
1904: Cathie longs for adventure. A whirlwind romance with soldier and artist Herbert Jackson offers this and more, but Herbert is violently jealous and she is soon fighting for her freedom - and her life. A fictionalised account of Catherine Carswell's first marriage, What We Did in the Dark is a compelling portrait of a trail-blazing writer.
What We Did in the Dark is beautifully written, and whilst also hard hitting and very graphic in its detail, it is a compelling read.
* Undiscovered Scotland *'A wonderfully compelling book, bringing life to a fascinating historical character.'
* Scotland on Sunday *'Ajay Close is a terrific writer... Close displays real skill and insight in making something both moving and compelling out of such challenging material. Highly recommended.'
* Carol Birch *'Profound and moving... Beautifully told. I couldn't stop reading it.'
* James Robertson *'A passionate, brutal tale - full of tender moments and barbaric acts.'
* Sue Peebles *'Speaks across time to all women everywhere.'
* Sue Wilkinson, former CEO of The Reading Agency *Born in Sheffield, Ajay Close worked as a newspaper journalist, winning several awards, before becoming a full-time author and playwright. Her first novel, Official and Doubtful, was longlisted for the Orange Prize. Her fourth, A Petrol Scented Spring, was longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. Her play, The Keekin Gless, was staged at Perth Theatre. The Sma Room Seance toured east Scotland and was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.