Emma Harcourt is a Sydney-based writer who works a researcher and journalist as well as an author.

After completing the Faber Academy course in 2011, Emma began writing historical fiction.

The result was two novels: the first being the critically acclaimed international best-selling title 'The Shanghai Wife' published in 2018 and now 'The Brightest Star' released earlier this year by HQ Fiction.

Whilst I haven’t read 'The Shanghai Wife' yet, I was utterly enthralled by Luna’s story in 'The Brightest Star'.

As a fan of historical fiction in general, this book was a page-turning read giving its audience insight into the plight of women in Renaissance Florence - which sadly still echoes in parts of the world today.

I was excited to have the chance to speak with Emma in more detail about the book on the podcast a little while ago.