A Corsham author has received critical acclaim for his debut novel.

WITCH, published this month by Zephyr, is set in 17th-century England. It is written by Finbar Hawkins, whose parents are illustrators Colin and Jacqui Hawkins and sister is actor Sally Hawkins.

Mr Hawkins grew up in London but now lives in Corsham and is a graduate of the Bath Spa MA in Writing for Young People.

He said: ‘It was from exploring the Mendips and around the city of Wells that I found my locations for WITCH, to make the book a sensory journey for the reader, a communion with our beautiful, inspiring landscape. As a writer, it’s a blessing to live where we do.’

The novel is already a bestseller in The Corsham Bookshop.

Janet Brakspear from The Corsham Bookshop said: “Witch is our best-selling children’s book this year (by several miles!) and it's been a pleasure to see so many people buying a book written by an author local to our bookshop. And what a great book! It is gripping, dark, and beautifully written.”

Since its release WITCH has received huge praise having been described as ‘Raw, mystical and beautifully told … A striking debut’ by Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020 Shortlisted author, Kirsty Applebaum.

Signed copies are available now at The Corsham Bookshop.