New book by Sunderland author Glenda Young to be launched at The Word in South Shields

The Paper Mill Girl is released in March and is inspired by Sunderland's old paper mills.

Traditional book launches including signings have had to be shelved for the time-being, however, Glenda has teamed up with The Word in South Shields to virtually launch The Paper Mill Girl on Thursday, March 18 at 2pm.

The free event will be hosted on Zoom and a free ticket must be booked via EventBrite to be able to access this event.

It is the fifth release in a six-book deal and follows the success of Belle of the Back Streets, The Tuppenny Child, Pearl of Pit Lane and The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon.

Sunderland author Glenda Young. Photo by Les Mann.

Glenda grew up in Ryhope and her books all centre around strong female characters overcoming adversity in a northern pit village.

The author, who works with Sunderland Antiquarian Society and the Ryhope Heritage Society when researching her novels, said: “The Paper Mill Girl is set in the fictional Grange Paper Works, which is based on the old paper mills of Sunderland which I researched extensively for the story.

"Sunderland’s paper mills no longer exist and it’s a privilege to bring them to life again, this time through the eyes of a young girl working there.

"The book is set in the areas of Hendon and Ryhope in Sunderland and I’m very proud to be putting the village of Ryhope, where I was born and bred, on the literary map and bringing the village to life in my books.”

Hendon Paper Mill was demolished in 2018. Pictures courtesy of Sunderland Antiquarian Society, Beamish Museum archive and Rob's Shepherd's book Grangetown History, Vols. 1–3

In the book, seventeen-year-old Ruth Hardy works long hours at Grange Paper Works, with her younger sister Bea, and spends her free time caring for their ailing parents. Their meagre income barely covers their needs, so when Bea reveals that she is pregnant out of wedlock, Ruth knows even tougher times are ahead.

As well as Glenda’s initial book deal with Headline being extended to eight books, 2021 will also see the release of Glenda’s new Cosy Crime series set in a B&B on the Yorkshire coast.

Publisher Headline have signed three Cosy Crimes by Glenda Young and Murder at the Seaview Hotel will be out in August 2021, followed by further titles in May 2022 and May 2023.

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