What lengths will we go to for love? And in what forms could this love show up in?

Strong-willed Lillibet, a Bolivian cholita wrestler, is enthralled by Emilio and Emiliano—twins in appearance only. They share success and acclaim in the wrestling world but their complex relationship sets them on a path towards tragedy.

Against a backdrop of harsh economics, prejudice and societal changes across generations, Strength in Petticoats is a vibrant story in a carnivalesque world. A high-stakes tale of a search for love in which human flaws have dire consequences, as colourful as it is compassionate, Strength in Petticoats asks big questions in this inventive and compelling debut novel.

Dawn Hart was born and raised in Nottingham. She made her way to her now long time London home via Wales,Sudan and Greece. She holds a BA in English Literature (Cardiff) and an MA in Creative Writing (Brighton). She writes fiction, poetry and blogs.She has been a writer in residence at Oval Tube Station in London and in 2019 was selected by The Liminal Residency to be part of a small group of writers in residence at Heathrow Airport. Dawn also works in participative social research using storytelling techniques to help people, organisations and communities to better understand and articulate their worlds. Strength in Petticoats is her debut novel and was shortlisted and highly commended by Adventures in Fiction First Novel Competition (2020). She now lives in south London and has one son.