Looking for a good book to curl up with this fall? Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill and Back Bay are excited to welcome back their good friend, former Bostonian and author of The Red Coat, Dolley Carlson. Reminiscent of the gripping British TV period drama, Downton Abbey, The Red Coat explores the societal and cultural differences within the city of Boston during the 1940s and ‘50s, and has quickly become a local bestseller and an international favorite.
“We look forward to welcoming our neighbors back with a fun night out,” says Blackstone’s owner Jennifer Hill. “Dolley will be greeting guests and signing books on Wednesday, September 23rd from 5 to 7pm at 46 Charles Street and again on Friday, September 25th from 5 to 7pm at our newly renamed sister store – Blackstone’s of Back Bay (formerly Reflections) at 223 Newbury Street.” The event is free with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
“One of the readers and fans of The Red Coat recently had this to say about my book,” says author Dolley Carlson, “Reading The Red Coat is to be instantly transported to another world – Irish families in post WWII South Boston. From the very first scene where an upper class Beacon Hill socialite and an Irish washerwoman exchange ownership of a red coat, the reader is treated to a lesson in all things Bostonian – from dressing up to shopping downtown at Filene’s to Irish Catholic policemen in the South End. Along the way, we are privy to intimate details of the tumultuous family life of both the Irish “Kings” and the Brahmin “Parkers.” “How these two intertwine throughout the decade makes for a fascinating story,” adds Dolley. Another ardent fan had this to say, “I’m recommending The Red Coat to all my New England and Irish friends and hope you will read it too.”
About the Author
Dolley Carlson is a third-generation Irish American with South Boston “Southie” roots. She is the daughter of one of Boston’s finest (Boston Police Department), and is passionate about weaving the people, locale, and lore of the city into her first novel, The Red Coat. For the last 20 years she has been an inspirational speaker at events across the nation. She is author of a four-book series: Gifts From The Heart (Cook Communications), which has sold more than 90,000 copies. She has contributed to books and magazines, been a frequent guest on radio programs, and her work was featured on KTLA -TV in Los Angeles.