Author: Natasha Farrant
Pub. Date: October 25, 2016
Publisher: The Chicken House
Pages: 336
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
A fresh, funny, and spirited reimagining of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice, The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet brings the voice of the wildest Bennet sister to life.
Lydia is the youngest of the five Bennet girls. She's stubborn, never listens, and can't seem to keep her mouth shut -- not that she would want to anyway. She wishes her older sisters would pay her attention, or that something would happen in her boring country life.
Luckily, that something is right around the corner, and it's the handsome Wickham, who arrives at Longbourn to sweep her off her feet. Lydia's not going to let him know THAT, of course, especially since he only seems to be interested in friendship. But when they both decide to summer in the fasionable seaside town of Brighton, their paths inevitably become entangled again.
At the seaside, Lydia also finds exciting new ways of life and a pair of friends who offer her a future she would have never dreamed possible. Lydia finally understands what she really wants. But can she get it?
Find it:
I am one of those rarities, a Londoner born and bred. And like most true Londoners, I’m not completely English, but three-quarters French with a little bit Dutch thrown in. I can’t imagine living anywhere else, though I would like a horse, a big old house with a secret passage or two, a fig tree, a walnut tree, lots of dogs and a vista of rolling hills on one side and the sea on the other. All of which are sadly incompatible with both life in the city and my income.
I write partly because in my stories I can live the lives I’m not…
I have two teenage daughters, Justine and Lily, who provide endless inspiration for my books. I am pleased to say inspiration works both ways. One of them has dyed her hair pink, and the other has taken to hanging out on the roof in the middle of the night.
The “person” I talk to most is my tortoiseshell cat, Amber. This is because as a writer you spend a lot of time alone, which makes you go slightly mad. Amber repays me for my conversation by trashing my house. Soon we are goig to buy a dachshund puppy called Blue, and presumably he will be equally destructive.
I get very grumpy if I don’t have a good book to read, if I’m not writing, if I’m hungry, tired or don’t get enough exercise. Otherwise I am a generally cheerful person.
Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about my life as a writer.
What is the inspiration for The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet?
About two years ago, I was talking to a publishing friend about PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, agreeing that the younger sisters remained something of a mystery and wondering what their stories would be. Over dinner a couple of months later, she asked if I would be interested in writing Lydia’s story…
I would never in a million years dare to criticize Austen, but if I might venture to suggest one minor quibble it’s that she rather glosses over Lydia’s story. Running away with a man was SUCH a scandalous thing to do, such a risk not just to herself but to her family. She was either very brave, or very stupid, or had a secret very good reason… As soon as my friend suggested writing the book, I knew I had to find out what that reason was. I wanted to know what happened!
Who was your favorite character to write?
Lydia! She just burst out from between the lines of Austen’s novel, shouting “my turn!” and demanding a proper story. She has so much energy and such a zest for life. I was consumed while I was writing her, and exhausted when I finished. I miss her. I am aware this all makes me sound a little mad.
Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to write? And why?
The final scene. Partly because I didn’t want to say goodbye to Lydia. Partly also because Austen gave Lydia her ending over two hundred years ago, and there was no getting away from that, no giving Lydia the glorious resolution of her dreams. Instead my ending is bittersweet, realistic but full of hope. Rather like life, I guess…
Which part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Those rare, precious moments when you forget that you are writing because you are so wrapped up in your story.
What’s the most important thing you've learned as a writer?
To not give up when things get tough.
What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2016?
JANE AUSTEN, THE SECRET RADICAL by Helena Kelly. Yes, I am an Austen geek!
What’s up next for you?
I’m working on a middle-grade adventure story which I pitch as Pippi Longstocking meets Enid Blyton!
3 winners will receive finished copies of THE SECRET DIARY OF LYDIA BENNET,
(US Only)
Tour Schedule:
Week One:
10/17/2016- Curling Up With A Good Book- Interview
10/18/2016- Wandering Bark Books- Review
10/19/2016- The Reading Nook Reviews- Excerpt
10/20/2016- History from a Woman's Perspective- Review
10/21/2016- A Page With a View- Interview
Week Two:
10/24/2016- Michelle4Laughs: It's in the Details- Review
10/25/2016- Reese's Reviews- Excerpt
10/26/2016- Betwixt the Pages- Review
10/27/2016- Becky on Books- Interview
Sounds like a good read.Can't wait to read this book I love the cover.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDeletethis character sounds fun and exactly the kind of girl i want to read more about. I love when authors take characters from literary fiction and make them fresh again!
ReplyDelete