AN ESSEX-born author will be speaking about her work when she visits Haworth next month.

Sarah Perry will talk about her bestselling novel, The Essex Serpent.

Set in 1893 and rooted in the writer’s home county, The Essex Serpent follows Cora, a keen amateur naturalist convinced that what the local people think is a magical beast may be a previously undiscovered species.

Cora is intrigued and compelled by the possibility of the serpent’s return, but clashes with the local vicar, William Ransome, who is determined to lay superstition to rest in his parish.

The novel is written in a gothic style, and explores themes of goodness, friendship, superstition and love. The book has been acclaimed by critics.

Sarah has a Phd in creative writing from Royal Holloway University.

Her family were devout Christians who were members of a strict Baptist church.

Sarah grew up with almost no access to contemporary art, culture, and writing, and instead filled her time with classical music, classic novels and poetry, and church-related activities.

She says this early immersion in old literature and the King James Bible heavily influenced her writing.

She has been the writer in residence at Gladstone’s Library and the UNESCO World City of Literature Writer in Residence in Prague.

Her first novel, After Me Comes the Flood, was longlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and the Folio Prize.

The Essex Serpent is Waterstones Book of the Year 2016, and was shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award 2017.

Sarah will be speaking at West Lane Baptist Centre, in Haworth, from 7.30pm on Saturday September 23.

Tickets are £10 or £8 for concessions and Bronte Society members.

Advance booking is recommended by calling 01535 642323 or by visiting bronte.org.uk/whats-on