Graphic Novel Unearths Untold Story of Anne Lister's British Indian 'Wife,' Eliza Raine

Gentleman Jack fans, mark your calendars. Artist Carol Adlam is crafting a new graphic novel, Eliza. Being a True History of Eliza Raine, set to dive into the poignant, largely untold story of Anne Lister's first "wife," Eliza Raine. This isn't just historical fiction; it's a rare glimpse into the life of a British Indian woman in Regency and Georgian England.

Feminist publisher Virago, a champion of women's voices and home to Anne Lister's own transcribed diaries, has acquired world rights. This is a significant move, promising to bring a vital, often-overlooked queer narrative to a wider audience through the graphic medium. Eliza Raine was a headstrong, intelligent woman who navigated a precarious existence before tragically ending up in a York asylum.

Adlam's powerful work draws directly from Raine's personal letters. These provide the only first-hand account of life as a mixed-race woman during that period, making the project uniquely compelling. Adlam, an accomplished artist with award-winning graphic novels like The Russian Detective to her name, ensures a visually stunning and historically rich narrative. Look for Eliza to hit shelves in Summer 2028. It's a long wait, but the promise of such a unique historical graphic novel makes it worth anticipating.