New beginnings for Carol Dodgson as she publishes her first novel

Carol Dodgson's debut novel ‘The New Beginning’

Carol Dodgson has just published her debut novel ‘The New Beginning’ under the pen name Daphanie Carol Taylor.

The novel tracks the journey of four young women from Oldham and Rochdale who move to Australia in 1937 prior to war breaking out in Europe.

Unable to return home for the foreseeable future, the four women rise to the challenge of making a new start, bringing their Lancastrian knowledge of cotton-spinning to the Australian mills before eventually parting ways and starting separate lives.

As the events of the era rattle the world around them, the book tells the story of how their lives and outlooks are shaped, and how it is ultimately their lasting bond of friendship which holds them all together.

Mrs Dodgson was inspired to write the book by real historical events and specifically by the idea of British workers moving to Australia to work in the mills there.

Speaking to Rochdale Online she said: “Although the novel is based in fact it is largely a fictional work; the historical events were just the impetus behind it all.

“I always knew I had at least one book in me, I just didn’t know until recently what exactly it would be about. In total, it took me 12 months to complete from start to finish, which included writing, editing and publishing it.”

Asked about her target audience Mrs Dodgson said: “The book is a fictional piece containing elements of history, drama, romance and adventure, and while it is aimed mainly at people who lived throughout the war I am sure it would be interesting for anyone wanting to learn more about the era.”

The novel, The New Beginning’ is currently available online but will shortly be made available in bookstores.