The inimitable Derek Schofield has reviewed Wayward Daughter for the forthcoming issue of English Dance And Song, the official magazine of the English Folk Dance and Song Society which he edits. We were allowed a sneaky preview of his review and we can reveal:


'...Sophie tells the story well, with many chapters introducing a theme which is then taken through from the 1990s to the present day...This is an affectionate, readable biography of a singer and musician who is set to achieve much more.'

A beautiful afternoon gave way to a sweltering night, as a sell out audience packed in to the Greystones Pub in Sheffield for the Wayward Daughter launch.

First up, after an introduction from Phil Godsell, MD of Soundcheck Books, was the hilarious Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, playing Barnsley-focused covers of songs we all knew only too well.

After my most nervewracking moment - reading a short excerpt to the crowd as my knees knocked furiously and my fingers stuck to the pages - Eliza took to the stage with Jon Boden and Saul Rose.

As always, Eliza was magnificent. The night culminated in the many stars of the Sheffield folk scene singing and playing in the middle of the room, audience members enthusiastically joining in.

Folk Radio UK have done a short piece on the night, accompanied by photos and video from Elly Lucas. You can view it here.

And we're completely sold out! For those of you who managed to get a ticket, we'll be seeing you later. Remember that we're starting pretty much on the dot at 7.30pm, as we've got a packed evening to get through. And for those of you that didn't, we're really sorry. We'll let you know if there are any returns.

Though I have been living in Manchester for almost a decade, I was born and grew up in Banbury. It was in Banbury that I was introduced to folk music, and regularly attended the Ride A Cock Horse Folk Club.

So I was delighted when The Banbury Guardian interviewed about the book. Click here to read the piece.

Well, it's all been a little busy of late. I've had a couple of interviews (more of that later), and the reviews have been coming in... Next, it's the launch, and there are only five tickets left! Be quick! Go here!

Then, once a ticket is firmly in your cyber hand, you can come along and enjoy sets from Eliza herself, Bellowhead main man Jon Boden, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, Saul Rose and special guests. Oh, and I'm going to be reading, but I'll forget about that bit for now. Gulp!

'Sophie has pulled together the definitive word on the life and music of Eliza, in the form of her excellent official biography, Wayward Daughter (Soundcheck Books)...Sophie Parkes’ Wayward Daughter: An Official Biography of Eliza Carthy, is a beautifully crafted tale of one of this country’s prized assets. Read the book, buy the albums and get off yer arses and go see Eliza Carthy live.'

You can read the full review here.

Another very nice review indeed. I especially liked the observation: 'in a slightly rambly, but nonetheless absorbing final chapter.'

I have also never been referred to by my surname alone, in that lovely, authoritative manner, so I'm (not so) secretly very pleased: 'Parkes does not disappoint. Wayward Daughter offers a fascinating, diligently researched and well written take on Carthy’s life story so far.'

You can read the full review here.

Wayward Daughter is, at this point in time, top of the folk music book chart - above His Bobness' Chronicles. That's quite something! Thanks to everyone who has ordered. And if you haven't, please step this way...

Those lovely folks over at Spiral Earth have taken the time to ask me about the writing process and how I - as a big fan of Eliza - knew where to start. You can read the interview here.

Today is the day that Wayward Daughter: the official biography of Eliza Carthy is released! Hurrah!

If this site hasn't enticed you enough, please visit the Soundcheck Books site for more info, or check out the first review here.

See you at the launch!

If you're hoping to come along to The Greystones pub to hear Eliza Carthy play, along with some of her friends mentioned throughout the course of the book, including Jon Boden (probably best known as Bellowhead frontman) and Saul Rose, then please don't delay - tickets are flying! You can get them here.

If you've already got your tickets, please make sure you arrive around 7pm ish, as we'll be getting underway promptly at 7.30pm - just because there's so much to cram in! Alongside the live music performances, which will also see a set from The Bar-steward Sons of Val Doonican, Eliza will be answering questions and signing copies of the book.

Please note that this event will be predominantly standing - though there are a few seats around the edge of the room, most guests will need to stand.

If you've bought your copy from Amazon and received an email to say it might be arriving a little late, don't worry - we've just had assurance that Amazon now has stock and will be dispatching promptly. If you'd like to order your copy from Amazon, you can do so here.

Eliza's site will also be stocking the book shortly, so if you're not an Amazon fan, you can order direct from Eliza's online shop. Wayward Daughter is also available to order from a wide range of other outlets, include Waterstones and Foyles.

... 'The writing style is personal without being intrusive and analytical without being clinical...Is ‘Wayward Daughter’ a good biography? Indeed it is. Is it recommended reading? Without a doubt. What are you waiting for? Buy it now.'


Read the full review at FolkWords here.

The books are here! And my, I'm told they look good... Here's Shadow, Phil and Sue Publisher's cat, investigating the first box. I hear they meet his approval.