Blog del Instituto Cervantes de Londres

03/07/2013
Instituto Cervantes London, 19:00h

A talk by Lady Rachel Billington on the research for her latest novel

Maria and the Admiral is a novel based on the meeting between two real and extraordinary people in Valparaiso, Chile, in 1822. Both were British of Scottish descent. Maria Graham was a travel writer whose husband, a sea captain, died as his ship rounded Cape Horn. Admiral Lord Cochrane was a Napoleonic naval hero who ran foul of the Admiralty, spent time in prison and re-found his vocation as admiral of the new Chilean fleet. His tactical brilliance helped achieve independence for Chile and made him a hero once more. But no-one, as amply demonstrated by her journals, admired him more than Maria Graham.

Lady Rachel Billington tells the story from Maria’s point of view, recreating her life and character, after research in Chile, London and Scotland. In her talk she describes her own journey, both literal and figurative, in following Maria and Cochrane’s dramatic story. It is the story of a great love which endured earthquake, civil war and eventual separation. It is also an accurately researched picture of Chile as it emerged into independence.
The author, Lady Rachel Bilington, has published 21 novels for adults, six novels for children and six religious childrens’ books. She is an honorary Vice-President of English PEN, the writers’ organisation, and was made an OBE in 2012 for her services to literature. Rachel’s stimulus to write Maria and the Admiral came from a visit she paid to Chile in 2002 after her daughter married a Chilean.
The inaugural Sir Leslie Bowes Lecture was in 1989, following his death in 1988. Sir Leslie had a long and deep connection with Canning House (Chairman 1964-66; Vice-President 1967), and very close links with Latin America over many years. He was Vice-Chairman of the Anglo-Chilean (Chairman ‘65-70), Anglo-Peruvian, Anglo-Mexican, Anglo-Argentine and Anglo-Brazilian Societies.
Entry to the lecture is free, and a collection will be made afterwards, the profit from which will go towards the restoration of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Valparaíso, Chile.
Followed by wine and snacks.

Free admission, subject to space. Places must be reserved in advance: reservas.londres@cervantes.es or 020 7201 0752
More info www.rachelbillington.com