Society will likely evolve and expand as time goes on, however, one constant that often remains is basic human nature.
That’s a central theme of the After Cilmeri series written by Dr. Sarah Woodbury who made a long-awaited appearance in Emporia Tuesday evening. During her time at the Lyon County History Center, Dr. Woodbury discussed her series of alternate history novels which are set in medieval Wales and explore what may have happened if Prince of Wales Llywelyn ap Gruffud had survived an ambush by the English in the mid-1200s.
Woodbury says the series both provides entertainment and enlightenment to the similarities of past and present cultures.
Holding a Ph.D. in anthropology in addition to her success as an author, Woodbury says the series is a combination of her two greatest passions historical fiction and anthropological study.
Another major component of the series according to Woodbury is the idea of “what if?” She says she pondered that question greatly when reading the history of the death of Llywelyn and eventually that question led her to rewrite history through her series of novels.
She adds that both the series and her own career can serve as proof to others that nothing is ever truly “set in stone.”
Woodbury was originally scheduled to appear in Emporia back in 2019, however, personal matters and later the COVID-19 pandemic delayed those plans on three separate occasions.
Proceeds from Tuesday’s event will benefit the Arvonia Historic Preservation Society, Lyon County History Center, St. David’s Society of Kansas and Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project of Wymore, Nebraska.
