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# Local author to launch new novel in Lichfield
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/local-author-to-launch-new-novel-in-lichfield/
- Published: 2021-11-11T08:42:00.000Z
- Updated: 2021-11-09T11:55:30.000Z
- Description: A Lichfield author’s new novel will be officially launched at an event in the city this month.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: What's On, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:15, News

A Lichfield author’s new novel will be officially launched at an event in the city this month.

![Hugh Ashton's new novel](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/frontandback.jpg)

Hugh Ashton’s new novel

On the Other Side of the Sky by Hugh Ashton is set in the late 18th Century and features a number of familiar locations and characters including Erasmus Darwin.

The book tells the tale of a young girl fostered by a family in Lichfield who appears to be the focus of many disturbing events, leading to her being banished to Switzerland from where she plans her return – and revenge on who she believes is her true father.

A launch event will take place at Erasmus Darwin on 25th November.

![Hugh Ashton](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_8058.jpg)

Hugh Ashton

Hugh said:

> “It is wonderful not only to live so close to the house where Erasmus Darwin lived and where he met his patients and his friends, but I am thrilled also to be able to read passages from my book in the very rooms that I describe in the story;  
>  
> “I am very grateful to the Erasmus Darwin House team to allow me this privilege.”  
>  
> Hugh Ashton

As well as the reading, the author will also take part in a question and answer session hosted by Jono Oates.

Jono said:

> “A new book featuring Lichfield’s famous residents is always interesting.  
>  
> “The way that Hugh has mixed historical characters with the fictional ones, and added a touch of fantasy to the 18th Century world makes for a fascinating read.  
>  
> “The story grips you from the start, and doesn’t let go until the end.”   
>  
> Jono Oates

Tickets for the launch event are £7.50 and can be booked [online](https://erasmus-darwin-house.arttickets.org.uk/erasmus-darwin-house/2021-11-25-book-launch-on-the-other-side-of-the-sky-by-hugh-ashton?ref=lichfieldlive.co.uk).