Today I am pleased to welcome Sue Barnard to the blog to talk about the 3 books that have shaped her.
Sue Barnard is a British novelist, editor and award-winning poet whose family background is far stranger than any work of fiction. She would write a book about it if she thought anyone would believe her.
After being commissioned to write questions for BBC Radio 4’s fiendishly difficult Round Britain Quiz, Sue was described by one of her sons as “professionally weird”. She lives in Cheshire, UK, with her extremely patient husband and a large collection of unfinished scribblings.
- What’s the first book you remember reading?
A book of fairy tales. Some were by Hans Christian Andersen and some by the Brothers Grimm. It was beautifully illustrated, and it was only many years later that I discovered the illustrations were by Arthur Rackham. I wish I still had it.
2. What book will always stay with you and why?
The novel That Devil Called Love, by Lynda Chater (first published in 1999). It’s a modern reworking of the Faust legend, told with wonderful perception and humour, during which the heroine finds out the hard way that youth, beauty, wealth and fame don’t necessarily hold the key to lasting happiness. The story changed my whole outlook on life, and is such an ingenious concept that I’ve often wished I’d thought of the idea myself.
3. One book you are looking forward to reading?
Oh goodness, where do I start? My Kindle is full of books waiting to be read (many by authors I know personally), and I was given several new books for Christmas – all of which I can’t wait to start reading. I really can’t single out any particular one. Sorry.
You can find Sue on her blog | Facebook | Amazon
The Ghostly Father
Romeo & Juliet – was this what really happened?
When Juliet Roberts is asked to make sense of an ancient Italian manuscript, she little suspects that she will find herself propelled into the midst of one of the greatest love stories of all time. But this is only the beginning. As more hidden secrets come to light, Juliet discovers that the tragic tale of her famous namesake might have had a very different outcome…
A favourite classic story with a major new twist.
Jen Wallis says
Professionally weird – now that’s some compliment ???? Love the sound of this new take.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Nothing wrong with professionally weird.
Bet that old book would be worth some money if you still had it.
Margot Kinberg says
I love that description – professionally weird. It’s great! And my guess is, millions of young people get their first experience reading through Andersen’s fairy tales. Wishing you much success.