Ah, Roger - Uncle John regrets ... etc etc. He was soooo looking forward to meeting you.

Ooh yes, Emma - of course you may. I think you can do it on Goldenford via Paypal - though, hmm, am not sure if Jackie has set that up yet ... Alternatively, simple ww-mail me your address and I can send you a signed (not at a 45 degree angle though!! ...) copy!

A
xxx

Sorry about your garden, Emma, - I thought it must be a gritty location shot, especially as the doorway behind you is at a rather drunken angle and the room beyond spookily suggestive, like a Hitchcock thriller or an episode of The Bill - one where they'd be calling for backup.

The turned head and anxious expression suggests the caption, 'I'd better spend the advance on getting the subsidence fixed.'
or perhaps, 'Oh no, the bailiffs don't want the garden furniture as well!'

On the other hand, the accompanying interview with quotes about the nature of historical fiction and how letters and memories were used to convey character was interesting and the account of the narrative strands was very clear and engaging. It did a good job of rousing curiosity as to just what it was that Stephen Fairhurst kept hidden from his comrades.

Sheila

Can I buy a copy in Waterstones? I so want to show off to the guy behind the counter (and get my teeth into TMOL of course!).

Best of luck with all this, it must feel terrific but clearly well deserved.

JB

Sheila, I was afraid it looked like that, though it's mostly having the sun in my eyes - it was incredibly bright - and knowing I'm going to look dreadful! I've just about forgiven them, because it was such a nice piece otherwise.

JB, Waterstone's will have it, though if you want a signed one you'll have to find an Ottakars, or look online. It was interesting going into six different Waterstone'ses yesterday, on exactly the same errand each time, and realising just how much difference it can make to have good and on-the-ball staff and managers, or not.

Emma

<Added>

JB, I wrote that assuming you're not in central London, where there are Waterstone's who do.

Don't worry too much about the garden Emma, it had a certain 70s chic about it and you can't be expected to do weeding with your book signing injury after all ;o)

And Dee if you want some more cheffy stuff I can recommend The French Laundry cookbook by Thomas Keller, currently thought of as the best chef in America. I've been to one of his Bouchon bistros for lunch and I can vouch for the food - his chicken and chips (yes, honestly) was like a religious experience.

Sibs, I've read about Thomas Keller in another book. He sounds wonderful. I’d love that book – it’s on my Amazon wishlist – but it’s very expensive… course, I could justify that on the grounds of research… teehee…

Emma, I started reading TMOL today. What a treat. It’s a gorgeous book – the shape and the size of it – cracking story too!

Dee



<Added>

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Thomas Keller chips...

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Have finally ordered my copy - looking forward to reading it - and learning a thing or two about writing!

Casey

Dee, I'm so glad you're enjoying it.

Casey, you've got me nervous now!

And THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who's ordered it, bought it, or put in a bid for it at their library. It's really a great thrill to know it's out there in such a personal way.

Emma

There's a fab review in Marie Claire this month Emma, don't know if you've seen it? Well done!

Have also seen it pretty prominently displayed in my local Waterstone's (Wmbledon) which is usually pretty rubbish, so that's good.

Jess, no I haven't seen it; thanks for letting me know. Pause to rush off to newsagents...

I've discovered a distinct drawback to the way all the glossies are wrapped up with free gifts nowadays - you have to buy the damn mag before you can actually read your review!

Emma

It says at the end (after a v positive description of the novel) "Darwein teases the reader, setting up a historical cliffhanger befroe flitting back to Anna's life, so that you slong to stay in one spot. An accomplished, vividly realised debut novel."
and gives it 4 stars!

<Added>

Sorry, what terrible typing!

Jess, thank you for that. I'm thrilled! Four stars!

Still find it very odd to be referred to as 'Darwin', somehow.

Emma

It's a really strong review, well done. Saw you in Tatler last month I think as well, you're getting excellent coverage.

I can imagine it must be strange be referred to by your surname - reminds me of my husband and his brother at their prep schools being called "Ruston Major" and "Ruston Minor"!

I know, it just doesn't feel like you. I have a slightly tricky relationship with my surname, too, as you can imagine. But it's amazing how deep that surname-only thing ran, too; there are stories of great friends who went on walking tours or worked together for years, and only discovered their friend's first name at the funeral.

Emma

Emma

Am intrigued: Durward/Darwin - was this similarity of names (I think they're linguistically near-identical) deliberate/conscious or incidental? Not to mention the similarities between Anna Ware/Emma Darwin...

Pete