Victorian Era Murders/ Jack The Ripper E. David Brown - The Last Dance Of Mary Kelly
Feb 18, 2025
E. David Brown, author of 'The Last Dance of Mary Kelly,' reimagines the life of Jack the Ripper's final victim as a labor activist in Victorian London. He discusses the challenges of writing historical narratives and emphasizes the importance of portraying marginalized figures authentically. The podcast also touches on the inspiring legacy of Nellie Bly and her courageous journalism. Brown shares insights on fan interactions and his passion for storytelling beyond profit, offering a glimpse into the intricate world of historical crime and social justice.
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Lost Manuscript Rekindled The Project
- E. David Brown began writing The Last Dance of Mary Kelly in 1985 and lost his original manuscript before rediscovering it years later. He rewrote and expanded it after finding only portions worth keeping from the recovered pages.
Recasting Victims As Workers
- Brown reframed Whitechapel women as laborers instead of prostitutes to humanize them and explore class politics. This shift lets the novel examine labor movements and societal prejudice in 1880s England.
Bryson Ward Stumbles Into Whitechapel
- The novel follows American journalist Bryson Ward who fails to gain access to the Royal Geographical Society and instead investigates events in Whitechapel. Ward intersects with historical figures like Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, Annie Besant, and Sir Richard Burton.
