Barbara Stuart was born in Zambia and grew up in the Eastern Cape. She obtained a BA from Rhodes University, a Teachers’ Diploma from UCT and an Honours degree in History from UNISA. An educationalist at heart, she taught for over thirty years, ending her full-time career as the headmistress of a prominent independent girls’ junior school in Gauteng. Barbara has written text books and reference books and now works part time for Wits University as a tutor for student teachers. She is also a qualified facilitator and life coach. She also proof-reads for an up-and-coming educational publisher. Barbara volunteers two mornings a week at a local disadvantaged public school where she teaches and runs staff workshops. Barbara is passionate about her family, education and anything historical. She is married to John and has three children and five grandchildren. Her interests include reading, travel and playing bridge. A Pocketful of Thieves is her first published novel and is the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
