Marta tackles race issues in new book
AFORMER church worker who enrolled on a Publishing degree course when work dried up during the pandemic has penned a book exploring themes of institutional racism and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Marta Pacini, from Rawtenstall, is a former resident of Hackney in East London, where The (Un)lawful Killing of Daniel Brown is set.
The 142-page young adult and crossover book is set to be released under Marta’s newly established publishing arm Disturbance Press next month.
It tells the story of 15-year-old Marcus as he prepares for the inquest into the death of his father, Daniel Brown, who was shot dead by a police officer.
Marta, who was due to turn 29 on Thursday, has harboured an interest in social justice issues from her childhood days.
This only developed when she studied for her Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies and Politics at SOAS, University of London. She recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Publishing from the University of Central Lancashire.
Describing the “gripping” storyline, she says: “The circumstances which led to Daniel being investigated by the police are unclear, and Marcus tries to get to the bottom of the mystery as he hopes that the inquest will return a verdict of ‘unlawful killing.’
“The book explores themes of Black Lives Matter, police violence, institutional racism and comingof-age. Comparable titles include Dear Martin by Nic Stone, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Run, Riot by Nikesh Shukla and East of Acre Lane by Alex Wheatle.”
An amateur singer and bodhrán player, Marta has lived in Rawtenstall for two years and worked for Rawtenstall Unitarian Church, until Covid hit.
She says her favourite thing to do in the Valley is go for walks, although she really misses going out and making music.
“I love the hills around Rawtenstall and the reservoirs,” she said.
“Since the pandemic started I have begun spending quite a lot of time window-shopping on Bank Street in Rawtenstall, as I live just off it.
“I love grabbing a bargain in the charity shops and my favourite shop for gifts and treats is Bolthole. Before the pandemic I was also attending music nights in Stacksteads and I was part of the Footlights Rossendale adult signing class at the Boo in Waterfoot.”
The (Un)lawful Killing of Daniel Brown will be released on paperback on February 17, priced £8.