Apr 6, 2026
Hey, guys. Listen in as I chat with Erica Colahan about her novel. When an author takes family history and weaves it into a compelling novel, what's not to love!
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We had a great time learning about Erica's great grandmother, the family member she found, all their research... it's.. .amazing!
The Oystercatcher of Southwark by Erica Colahan
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.
Learn more Erica on her WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads.
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