Havisham: Elle Machray delivers a queer feminist reimagining of Dickens

A thrilling and immersive historical novel, Machray's new novel Havisham is a queer feminist reimagining in which Dickens' most infamous female character tells her side of the story at last - we could not be more thrilled to be hosting an Edinburgh launch!

Jilted bride. Mad witch. Tragic villainess. This time, she will have her revenge.

Charlotte Havisham has a secret. She's been underestimated for too long: by her former fiancé, Compeyson; by her family; and by society. But now her true heart's desire is within reach for the first time. And she will stop at nothing to get it.

This is the story of Miss Havisham as you've never heard it before. And she will exceed all expectations.

The author

Elle Machray grew up in Birmingham to St Lucian and Scottish parents. After graduating from the HarperCollins Author Academy, their debut novel Remember, Remember was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Prize, judged by Hilary Mantel, and shortlisted for Scotland’s National Book Award – First Book of the Year. Elle has also featured on The List’s Top 100 influential people and won the Somewhere: For Us Culture Award. When she isn't hunched over a manuscript, you'll find Elle talking about books and history online, or exploring iconic literary locations across Europe and beyond.

The chair

Dr Jean Menzies is an award winning author and ancient historian. She writes nonfiction about history and mythology for all ages, as well as fiction for adults. Her debut novel The Lady of the Lake reimagines arthurian legend and was published by Michael Joseph in 2025. Her latest nonfiction title, Aphrodisia: Women, Sex and Pleasure in the Classical World, will be published by Monoray in May 2026. In the meantime you can find her talking all things books and history @jeansthoughts online.