October 29, 2024
Reading, MA — In-conversation event with novelist Maria Vetrano explores political fantasy that blends historical fiction, time travel, and humor
Why can’t politics be more like fantasy football?
Massachusetts author Maria Vetrano’s debut novel, QUEEN BESS: A Tudor Comes to Save America (Regalo Press), answers the question with a time-traveling Elizabeth Tudor brought to 2027 Massachusetts in preparation for a run at the 2028 presidential election.
Whitelam Books will bring Vetrano and in-conversation partner Maura K. Phelan, principal of Green Light Literary + Media, to Whitelam Books on October 29, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. for a lively author event exploring the political bona fides of a modern-day Queen Elizabeth I.
The catalyst for the event, Whitelam bookseller and event manager Jeanne Dennehy, appreciated Vetrano’s unique approach to combining political satire and historical fiction in the new novel.
“The US presidential campaign process is long, expensive, and anxiety-provoking,” said Dennehy. “What if politics were more like fantasy football? Take a brilliant, experienced leader from the past, a person without a high-profile history that would make her a target for negative media exposure and put her in a position to run for the presidency. QUEEN BESS is the anecdote we need as we navigate this presidential election season, and the months that will follow.”
QUEEN BESS isn’t just for political buffs. It’s also for fans of the Tudors.
“I’ve loved Elizabeth Tudor since I first saw Glenda Jackson portray her in the Masterpiece Theatre miniseries Elizabeth R, a show that I watched with my family when I was a child,” said Vetrano. “While I could have selected a different historical figure who might rescue American democracy, I chose Elizabeth Tudor because she was a brilliant, battle-tested ruler who secured England’s shores, restored the treasury, and ushered in the Renaissance. She did all that while retaining her power in a world dominated by men. Just imagine how she would handle other world leaders. Or Congress.”
About Regalo Press
QUEEN BESS is published by Regalo Press, founded in 2022 by industry veteran Gretchen Young as an imprint of Post Hill Press. As the editor of #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Madam President by Jennifer Palmieri prior to launching Regalo Press, Young was attracted to the bold premise of QUEEN BESS.
“QUEEN BESS blends past and present, historical fiction, sci-fi and political satire into a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining,” said Young. “It offers readers much-needed relief from the stresses of presidential-campaign season while also inspiring discussion about what it takes for a woman to win in today’s America.”
Uniting philanthropy with the business of book publishing, Regalo Press donates to a charity of the author’s choice on every deal. At Vetrano’s request, Regalo Press will make a charitable donation to Silent Spring Institute, an independent research organization dedicated to uncovering the environmental causes of breast cancer.
About Whitelam Books
Founded by owner and bookseller Liz Whitelam, Whitelam Books is committed to making this world a better place by promoting the value of and pleasure in reading. Whitelam Books supports efforts that enrich life in Reading and its surrounding communities.
Beyond retail, the bookstore strives to be a gathering place and an epicenter of community events. Whitelam Books regularly hosts author book signings and readings, book clubs, children’s story times, and events that dovetail with other Reading businesses and organizations.
Located at 610 Main Street in Reading, Mass., Whitelam Books is open Monday – Saturday, from 10:00 am-5:30 pm, and on Thursday from 10:00 am-8:00 pm. The store also offers curbside pickup by calling: 781-779-1833. For more information, visit: https://www.whitelambooks.com/
