Kate Van der Borgh’s debut novel explores privilege and belonging at Cambridge
She quickly made friends but noticed that her Burnley accent set her apart. This feeling of being different inspired her novel, *And He Shall Appear*. The story follows a northern student who feels out of place in the elite environment of Cambridge.
As he navigates the campus, he becomes fascinated by Bryn Cavendish, a charismatic party boy with a mysterious charm. But as the year unfolds, Bryn’s tricks take a darker turn, leaving the narrator questioning the true nature of his allure.
Kate drew from her own experiences, recalling moments like feeling overwhelmed in the grand dining room of her college. She wanted to capture the clash of cultures and the weight of privilege that shapes the lives of students at Cambridge.
The book also touches on themes of ghosts and memory, inspired by her childhood love for horror stories. Kate believes that the setting of Cambridge, with its rich history, adds depth to the narrative.
Though the book is marketed as ‘Dark Academia’, Kate started writing it before the TikTok trend. She acknowledges that while many stories share similar elements, each one brings a unique perspective. *And He Shall Appear* is now available, published by HarperCollins.
