Lydia Syson is a fifth-generation North Londoner who now lives south of the river with her partner and four children. After an early career as a BBC World Service Radio producer, she turned from the spoken to the written word, and developed an enduring obsession with history, including her family history: Lydia's anarchist great-great-grandmother moved in Communard circles in late 19th century London. Read more about Lydia and her books at www.lydiasyson.com or on Twitter: @lydiasyson.
Syson brings history alive * Observer * The writing is powerful, the events terrifying * Bookbag * Beautifully written * Guardian * Compelling story of politics, passion, bravery and love * Book Trust * This is a thrilling story about a corner of the world I knew almost nothing of. A story of love and courage, brutality and hope all told with equal measures of deep humanity, imagination and elan. Lydia Syson has an amazing gift of bringing history alive through richness of language, dramatic pace and fabulous visual imagery. This is better than watching a film! -- Anne Sebba