“I myself am in an interracial marriage and know first-hand – even in our modern, enlightened society – my husband and I have experienced moments of disapproval. So to think back to the middle of the 19th century to their situation and their story, and what it must have been like for them… It just really resonated with me.”

Listen to Tammye Huf as she chats with Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2.

A More Perfect Union is a current BBC Radio 2 Book Club choice and is available to buy now.