Tuesday 3 November, 5pm
10 Merton Street Lecture Theatre, University College, Oxford

Univ Shakespeare Society presents Philippa Malicka, author of In Her Defence, in conversation with Dr Laura Varnam.

Organised by Dr Laura Varnam, Lecturer in Old and Middle English Literature

A sensational celebrity libel trial unfolds, a young woman at the periphery secretly wields the power to make or break the case. But with her own hidden past, will she dare to speak up? Wealthy and famous, Anna Finbow stands in court, accusing therapist Jean Guest of brainwashing her daughter Mary to gain access to her trust fund.

Jean claims that the dark memories she’s helped Mary uncover are real. That therapy has offered her a chance to finally heal from childhood trauma, and she would be better off away from her family’s damaging influence. I’ll tell you now…you shouldn’t believe either of them.

Philippa Malicka’s (2007, English) debut novel, the psychological thriller In Her Defence, was published to great acclaim in 2026. It was chosen by Reese Witherspoon for her Book Club in the US and has been described in the press as a “bewitching debut” and a “crackling story” that switches back and forth between past and present “effortlessly […] as the depth of the characters’ betrayals and manipulations comes out in open court. This serpentine courtroom drama will captivate readers” (Publishers Weekly).

Philippa studied English Language and Literature at Univ from 2007 to 2010 before attending the University of East Anglia for her MA in Prose Fiction. In conversation with her former English tutor, Laura Varnam, Philippa will explore her journey from student to novelist and introduce her compulsive and gripping debut novel.

There will be drinks after the event and books will be available to purchase.

Please sign up via Eventbrite.

Please note that audio, photographs and video footage may be taken throughout our events. These may be used by the College for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website and on social media, or in any third-party publication. Please contact the event organiser if you have any concerns or if you wish to be exempted from this activity.