Book Club: Penny Haw

In this episode of Lunch with Pippa Hudson, host Pippa welcomes South African author Penny Hall to discuss her latest historical novel, *The Woman and Her Stars*, which centers on the remarkable life of Caroline Herschel—the first known paid female astronomer and scientist in British history. Hall recounts how her research into overlooked women in history began with a chance discovery while writing about veterinary surgeon Aileen Cust, leading her down a path of uncovering extraordinary female pioneers. Caroline Herschel’s journey from a stunted, scarred childhood in Germany, destined for domestic servitude, to becoming a key figure in 18th-century astronomy—working alongside her famous brother William Herschel, developing telescopes, and making her own comet discoveries—is brought vividly to life. Hall emphasizes the emotional complexity of Caroline’s inner world, particularly her struggle with dependency, jealousy over her brother’s marriage, and eventual self-realization of her own genius. The episode also explores the lasting legacy of the Herschel family in Cape Town, where schools and roads are named after them, tracing back to Caroline’s nephew John Herschel. The conversation celebrates the power of storytelling to reclaim forgotten women and inspire future generations.