D J G Palmer: A Rougher Task

Amongst the horrors of the Anglo-Zulu War, young lieutenant Albert is conflicted by his feelings for handsome batsman Jack. But with societal prejudices against them, will their blossoming relationship survive?

We are looking forward to welcoming military veteran and ex-police officer D J G Palmer to the shop on Tuesday 16th July at 7pm as he discusses his heart wrenching LGBTQ+ tale of the brutalities of love and war, A Rougher Task. Book your tickets now to hear about Albert Bond's fight for survival against the backdrop of the emotive Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.

“We might all be killed, and all I can think of is you…”

It is 1878, and beneath the heat of the South African sun, a brutal war is brewing. Yet for the soldiers based at the dreary maritime barracks of Chatham, the prospect of journeying to this exotic land is an opportunity they cannot resist.

Albert Bond, a young lieutenant and academy graduate, is plagued by his family’s ruin as he desperately attempts to cling to the status of his wealthy upbringing. Yet he is soon forced to reassess his aspirations, his morals, and his feelings concerning class and rank as he realises his growing affection for his handsome batman Jack Coleman. Jack grew up as the lowest of the low, but his social disadvantages fail to suppress his optimism and willingness to take risks, attributes that Bond cannot help but admire.

As the two men come to rely on one another for comfort and companionship amidst the animosity and indecision of war, their relationship begins to shift. But in a time of deep-rooted institutional and societal prejudice, will their intimacy blossom into something tangible?

DJG Palmer is a military veteran and ex-police officer. He is an LGBTQ+ advocate and now lives in Kent with his husband, where he is a director of a homelessness charity and works in the heritage sector.

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Doors: 6.30pm, event starts: 7pm, please arrive early to secure a good seat.

Tickets are £3 and there is a Ticket & Book option which includes a signed copy of A Rougher Task

The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

For more information or if you would like a signed copy because you can't make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell's events team on 0131 622 8222 or [email protected]

Host or Publisher Blackwell's Edinburgh South Bridge