Bradley Stoke author Edward VJ Philpott is celebrating the publication of his novel The Fox of Charente by Pegasus Elliott Mackenzie Publishers.
The book, set in 1942, is about a RAF Captain and his Lancaster bomber crew who are shot down over Nazi-occupied France. The story highlights the brutal atrocities meted out by the invaders and the unbridled heroism and ingenuity of the French Resistance. The novel is also a stark and powerful reminder of the depravity of institutionalised racism.
Edward, who has lived in Bradley Stoke since moving from Ross-on-Wye with his family in 2023, said: “Bradley Stoke and the North Bristol area seems to be a perfect mix of the urban and rural. Within a five minute walk from our house we are in beautiful meadows or woodlands, as well as just a five minute drive away from the enormous Cribbs Causeway. We feel very fortunate.”
Edward studied Linguistics at UCL before embarking on an international career in media and education, including directing educational videos with the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet in the 1990s.
In 2002, Edward was asked to play the role of Pere Armand David in a drama-documentary with China Central Television in the mountains of Sichuan Province. “It was a really wonderful time to live in China,” Edward said. “There was still a strong feeling of the romantic old China in Beijing and I was one of very few foreign workers at that time. I also met my wife Jinyan there and we lived in Beijing until 2009 before coming back to the UK with our young son Crispin.”
So why did Edward choose World War Two as the subject of his new novel? “There are so many reasons why I chose this era in history,” he explained. “But the main reason is to remember and honour the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who risked absolutely everything in the cause to overthrow fascism. As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, I really hope this book can add to those sincere and heartfelt tributes.”
The Fox of Charente by Edward VJ Philpott is available online at Waterstones, Amazon and WH Smith and a number of local book signings will be planned over the summer months.