As someone who writes, reads avidly, and is obsessed with history, there is nothing I love more than a group of writers coming together to hone their craft; especially when those writers produced the books that shaped my life.

The Inklings were one of these groups, and they might be my favourite. While often unheard of by the casual reader, this was a true meeting of great minds. Although two members were considered the pack’s celebrities, the Inklings actually consisted of nineteen men over the years.

These men were Oxford professors or professionals working within the city. At the heart of the group was the iconic pair: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

Lewis’s brother, Warnie, described the group as having no rules, officers, agendas, or formal elections. It was simply a collection of like-minded men who escaped to the pub or Lewis’s rooms to talk about their craft, advise one another, and offer support.

The Big Four

It is fair to say that Lewis and Tolkien were the anchors of the group; their friendship is legendary. However, it was a relationship filled with tough love. They were not always complimentary about each other’s work.

If you study the creation of The Lord of the Rings, you quickly realise that Tolkien was not a fast writer; his process was slow and meticulous. He would spend years obsessing over Elvish philology and complex genealogies. He often read these drafts aloud during Inklings meetings, testing the patience of his peers.

One evening, while Tolkien was deep into a particularly long passage, Hugo Dyson, a fellow Inkling known for his wit and total lack of patience for high fantasy, reached his breaking point. After hours of listening to Tolkien’s world-building, Dyson sprawled across a sofa and loudly groaned:

“Oh God, no more Elves!”

The room erupted. Tolkien was reportedly quite stung by the remark, but it became a legendary piece of Inklings lore. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest masterpiece in fantasy history had to survive the equivalent of a 1940s ‘tough crowd.’

Reports that Tolkien hated Narnia may be slightly overstated, but he was certainly a harsh critic. He felt Lewis’s world-building was slapdash because Lewis mixed mythologies with reckless abandon. To a linguist like Tolkien, placing a Greek Faun, a Victorian lamp-post, and Father Christmas in the same forest was total creative chaos!

Lewis and Tolkien once famously lamented the state of contemporary literature. They felt that the stories they actually wanted to read, grand myths and cosmic adventures, weren’t being written. Lewis reportedly said to Tolkien, “If they won’t write the kinds of books we want to read, we shall have to write them ourselves.”

The third influential member was Charles Williams, an editor at Oxford University Press and a writer of metaphysical thrillers. A flamboyant, mystical figure, he joined the group when the OUP moved to Oxford during WWII. Williams brought a sense of urban magic to the circle. While Tolkien’s maps were of imaginary mountains, Williams’s maps explored the spiritual dangers lurking in the streets of London. Lewis remarked that when Williams entered a room, the atmosphere changed from “grey to gold.”

The last of the ‘Big Four’ was Owen Barfield, often called ‘the first and last Inkling.’ Barfield and Lewis met as undergraduates in 1919. A philosopher and solicitor, he engaged Lewis in what they called the ‘Great War’—a years-long intellectual debate over philosophy and language that deeply shaped Lewis’s eventual conversion to Christianity. Lewis later dedicated The Allegory of Love to Barfield, calling him “the wisest and best of my unofficial teachers.”

Other Key Members

• Warren ‘Warnie’ Lewis: Lewis’s older brother and a retired Army major. He acted as the group’s unofficial secretary and was a historian of 17th-century France. He provided a grounded, common-sense perspective.

• Hugo Dyson: Though he helped Lewis find his faith, he was the man responsible for the “No more Elves!” outburst. A brilliant Shakespeare scholar, he eventually grew weary of the group’s leanings toward fantasy.

• Robert ‘Humphrey’ Havard: The personal physician to both Lewis and Tolkien. He was the only scientist in a room of literature dons, affectionately nicknamed ‘the Useless Quack’ by Warnie.

• Christopher Tolkien: Tolkien’s son joined the group later. He was instrumental in reading his father’s maps and manuscripts aloud when the elder Tolkien’s voice grew tired.

Other associates included Adam Fox, a professor of poetry; Lord David Cecil, a literary biographer; Nevill Coghill, known for his modern translation of The Canterbury Tales; and Roger Lancelyn Green, who became a famous writer of children’s myths.

A Scenius to Envy

The image of these great minds sitting around a table’ pipes lit, pints of ale in hand, discussing the fate of Middle-earth, is one of the most fascinating snapshots in literary history.

It reminds us that no one creates in isolation. Everyone needs a scenius—a collective intelligence; to bounce ideas off. We all need a ‘beta reader’ who isn’t afraid to be harsh.

Living through the horrors of the World Wars, these men decided the world had become ‘disenchanted.’ The Inklings were a deliberate effort to re-enchant the world through myth. Without this group, The Lord of the Rings might never have been finished. Tolkien was a chronic restarter who would rewrite the first three chapters fifty times rather than move to the fourth. The Inklings, especially Lewis, provided the constant “prod” he needed.

I, for one, am immensely grateful they did. My childhood would have been significantly poorer without the maps of Middle-earth and the wardrobes of Narnia.

The era of the traditional mass market paperback (MMPB) is effectively coming to an end. While a few publishers still utilise the format for specific legacy genres, a series of industry shifts between 2024 and early 2026 has signalled its near-total phase-out.

In my opinion, this is incredibly sad. The MMPB has made reading accessible to all; therefore, anything that reduces people’s ability to read must be considered a bad thing.

What is a Mass Market Paperback?

An MMPB is a small, pocket-sized book designed for high-volume sales at a low price point. Historically, they were the ‘disposable’ version of the publishing world. They were perfect to shove into a back pocket or bag to read in those little moments.

Once read, you could easily recycle them or, my favourite, pass them on.

They were not the best quality books. With their low-grade paper and glued pages, they would never make an attractive bookshelf edition, but they were cheap and easy to get hold of.

What truly made a book ‘mass market’ was where it was sold. Unlike hardcovers, which were primarily sold in specialised bookstores, MMPBs were designed for ‘non-traditional’ retailers:

• Grocery stores and supermarkets

• Drugstores (CVS, Walgreens)

• Airport newsstands

• Train stations and bus terminals

• Gas stations

What made them popular with retailers was the return system. Rather than shipping the whole book back to the wholesalers, shops could send the cover and receive a credit. The rest of the book could then be recycled.

The most popular genres for these books were romance, science fiction, fantasy, crime, and thrillers. Many people started reading because of these cheap alternatives to hardcovers. They also made many authors popular.

Stephen King

While Stephen King’s debut, Carrie, saw a modest initial hardcover release, it was the record-breaking $400,000 sale of its paperback rights to New American Library that truly ignited his career.

The spinner rack accessibility of MMPBs allowed King’s early masterpieces— Salem’s Lot, The Shining, and The Stand, to bypass the gatekeeping of elite bookstores and land directly in the hands of millions of commuters and casual readers.

By saturating the market with affordable, portable editions that featured iconic, tactile cover art, the mass market format transformed King from a struggling teacher into a cultural phenomenon. This ensured his name became synonymous with the modern horror genre in every household across the country. He himself has spoken about this and how the sales from these books transformed his life.

So Why Phase Them Out?

The most significant blow to the format occurred at the end of 2025, when Readerlink, the largest distributor of books to mass merchandisers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger, officially stopped distributing mass market paperbacks.

Readerlink had an estimated 60–70% of the market and locations for these books. Sales plummeted because the eBook industry likely replaced the “quick read” market that MMPBs once dominated—dropping from 131 million in 2004 to just 21 million in 2024.

Following this, most major publishers shifted their ‘entry-level’ physical books to Trade Paperbacks (larger, higher-quality paper) or digital formats. Companies such as Penguin Random House and Harper Collins have moved from MMPB to the more expensive Trade Paperback because the larger format offers higher profit margins and fits more easily into modern production lines.

Furthermore, the rise of ‘BookTok’ and the aesthetic side of social media has changed what readers want. Books are now often seen as decorative objects for a ‘shelfie,’ and the flimsy MMPB doesn’t look as good on camera as a sturdy Trade Paperback.

Publishers state that, with rising costs, they could not keep the price as low as people had become used to. To justify increasing the price, they increased the quality of trade paperbacks, pricing some books as high as £18.99. They also state that these more expensive books last longer.

Reader Effect

Look carefully and you will still find some MMPBs from authors such as Danielle Steel and John Grisham as publishers exhaust their supplies. However, unless we as readers do something, the end of the MMPB seems imminent.

This decline is one more example of readers increasingly finding it difficult to have access to literature. Ebooks are priced almost as much as their physical relatives, and paperbacks are becoming as expensive as hardcovers. If you are a vivacious reader, you could be spending hundreds of pounds.

Reading should be for all, regardless of your income. Make sure you purchase those MMPBs when you see them; show the industry they are wrong to phase them out. Tell your reading friends about this, as it is something the industry is reluctant to publicise. And if all else fails and you can’t afford to read—remember there is always a library.

Until next Friday: Read to learn. Read to escape. Read to smile.

When you think of childhood fantasy, two names you would likely ponder are J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Not only did these men change the landscape of fantasy writing, but they were also close friends.

They weren’t just colleagues at Oxford; they were the heart of the Inklings, a small circle of writers who met in smoke-filled pubs like the Eagle and Child to read their unfinished manuscripts aloud. Their bond wasn’t just about sharing a pint. In many ways, we wouldn’t have The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings without their mutual badgering. Lewis was Tolkien’s biggest cheerleader, constantly pushing him to actually finish his “hobbity” stories when Tolkien was tempted to keep tinkering with Elvish grammar forever.

On the flip side, Tolkien played a massive role in Lewis’s spiritual life. After a long, famous nighttime walk at Magdalen College, Tolkien, along with their friend Hugo Dyson, helped convince the then-atheist Lewis that Christianity was the true myth: a story that actually happened.

Even though they were both Christians, they had a famous creative spat over how to put religion into fiction. The result of this tension is seen in both of their writing styles.

Lord of the Rings

Tolkien was firm that he hated obvious allegory; he didn’t want his stories to be a one-to-one map of the Bible. Instead, he wanted his faith to be like the soil the tree grows in. It is what feeds the whole thing from underneath, showing up in themes like mercy and providence, but never actually breaking the fourth wall to preach at you.

This is why he would get frustrated when people tried to say Gandalf was basically Jesus; for Tolkien, that was missing the point. He wasn’t trying to rewrite the Gospels in Middle-earth. Even though he was a devout Catholic, he wasn’t interested in making a ‘religious’ book in the traditional sense. His real goal was much bigger: he wanted to create a massive, epic mythology for England, something to help process the sense of loss and the question of what comes next, questions that hung over everyone after the devastation of the Great War.

The Chronicles of Narnia

Lewis was much more direct than Tolkien with his faith. While Tolkien wanted his religion to stay hidden in the bones of the story, Lewis opted for a more immediate approach, asking the question, “If Christ actually showed up in a world full of talking animals and magic, what would he look like?”

That is how we got Aslan. For Lewis, Aslan wasn’t just a symbol or a metaphorical hero; he was meant to be God, plain and simple, stepping into Narnia to show how the divine might act in a completely different universe. He didn’t mind if the connection was obvious because he wanted the reader to feel the weight of that religious presence right there on the page.

Creative Bickering

Believe it or not, Tolkien actually rather hated The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe when Lewis first read it to him. He thought it was a sloppy mishmash of mythologies. To Tolkien’s rigorous mind, you couldn’t just have Father Christmas, a Greek faun, and a talking beaver all in the same world; it broke the inner consistency he valued so much.

Lewis, ever the enthusiast, didn’t care. He wanted to capture the feeling of the numinous, even if the logic was a bit messy. Despite their creative bickering and the fact that they drifted apart slightly in their later years, their impact is inseparable.

Tolkien gave us the depth of a world that feels like it has a soul, while Lewis gave us the wonder of stepping through a wardrobe into a moral universe. They proved that fantasy wasn’t just for kids; it was a way to explore the biggest questions of human existence. They also both entertained generations with their wonderful tales of heroes and adventure.

Which is your favourite?

Until next Friday: Read to learn. Read to escape. Read to smile.

Readers have power; whether you are a writer or a reader, you will understand this concept. As readers, we possess the influence to make a book a bestseller or to condemn it to the back pages of Amazon.

When we read, we each interpret the story slightly differently depending on our life experiences and personalities. However, these two stories from history demonstrate that we also have the power to change the narrative for others.

Great Expectations

Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations remains a beautiful tale of unrequited love and personal growth. However, the resolution of the relationship between Pip and Estella became the subject of intense debate.

When Dickens first penned the conclusion in 1861, he stayed true to the novel’s darker themes of trauma and the permanent scars of the past. In this original version, Pip and Estella encounter each other briefly on a London street many years later. Estella has been widowed and remarried, while Pip remains single. They exchange a few words, and that is it. It was a realistic, albeit sombre, ending that suggested some wounds do not heal.

As the story was being published in serial form in Dickens’s weekly periodical, All the Year Round, the public’s investment in Pip’s happiness was palpable. Readers desperately wanted a “happily ever after” for the protagonist they had watched grow from a terrified orphan into a humbled gentleman.

Before the final chapters were published in book form, Dickens showed the manuscript to his friend and fellow novelist, Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Bulwer-Lytton argued that the public would find the original ending too distressing. Dickens, ever sensitive to his audience’s desires and his own commercial success, decided to change it.

I have no doubt the change will be available for the story... I have put as much as I could into the change of the girl, to make it realistic. — Charles Dickens

The revised version is commonly found in modern editions. In this ending, Pip and Estella meet one last time at the ruins of Satis House. The tone is elegiac but hopeful. As they walk out of the garden together, the novel famously concludes: “I saw no shadow of another parting from her.”

While not an explicit wedding announcement, it provided the emotional closure that Victorian audiences craved. It suggested that their shared suffering had finally made a partnership possible.

Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s relationship with his most famous creation, Sherlock Holmes, was not always positive. While readers viewed Holmes as a hero, Doyle eventually came to see the detective as a burden that stifled his other ambitions.

By 1893, Doyle was exhausted. He felt that Holmes’s cold, analytical nature was preventing him from focusing on his historical novels, which he considered his true legacy. To free himself, he wrote The Final Problem, published in The Strand Magazine.

In a dramatic showdown, Holmes and his nemesis, Professor Moriarty, supposedly fell to their deaths at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland. Doyle famously wrote in his diary at the time, “Killed Holmes.”

The public reaction was unprecedented. More than 20,000 people cancelled their subscriptions to The Strand in protest. Legends grew of young men wearing black mourning bands on their hats in London. For nearly a decade, during what fans call “The Great Hiatus,” Doyle resisted the pressure to bring the detective back, even as he wrote other works like The Lost World.

Despite his desire for freedom, the character proved impossible to escape. The demand was so high, and the financial offers so lucrative, that Doyle eventually relented. He first teased the public with The Hound of the Baskervilles (set before Holmes’s death), but eventually brought him back to life “officially” in the 1903 story, The Adventure of the Empty House.

Doyle invented a clever explanation involving “Baritsu” (a fictional Japanese martial art) to explain how Holmes survived the fall while Moriarty perished.

Much like Great Expectations, the Holmes canon now exists as two different stories; readers decide their preference.

So, which novel would you change if you could? Would you bring Sirius Black back to look after Harry? Would Gatsby survive the shooting, or would Romeo and Juliet live a long, happy life with many children?

Until next Friday: Read to learn. Read to escape. Read to smile.

It is that time of year when social media feeds are flooded with reading tallies and ambitious “reading challenges.”

While seeing those high numbers can be inspiring, it can also feel a bit overwhelming.

I’ve spent time exploring how these numbers are built, and I want to share some techniques that can help you expand your reading horizons in 2026. Throughout this process, keep the most important goal in mind: genuine enjoyment.

Here is a guide to shifting your perspective on reading, along with practical ways to integrate more stories into your life.

Redefining What Counts

One of the easiest ways to see progress in your reading life is to change how you define a “book.” We often get caught up in the idea that only a 400-page novel counts, but literature comes in many forms.

If you are reading a collection like The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, consider treating each story as a milestone.

Each one is a complete narrative arc with its own characters and resolution. By acknowledging each story, you give yourself more frequent “wins,” which builds the momentum to keep going.

Sharing a book with a child is one of the most rewarding ways to read. Whether you are reading a picture book aloud or listening to them practice, these moments are significant. They foster a love of literacy and count toward your time spent engaged with words.

Whilst we are on the subject, audiobooks count as reading, you are still immersing yourself in a story.

The Art of Letting Go

A major hurdle to reading more is the feeling that we must finish every book we start. This often leads to “reading slumps” where we stop reading altogether because we aren’t enjoying our current choice.

If you’ve given a book 50 pages and it isn’t resonating with you, it is perfectly okay to move on. You’ve still gained insights or experiences from those pages.

In a world where we are constantly tracked, it’s easy to forget that reading isn’t a memory test or a performance. If you don’t finish a book, or if you don’t remember every detail of a story you read months ago, it doesn’t diminish the value of the time you spent immersed in it.

Why the Numbers Don’t Actually Matter

Last year, I experimented with seeing how high a “book count” could go. However, the experiment taught me a much more valuable lesson: the total is irrelevant.

To read 100 “standard” 300-page books a year, you would need to dedicate roughly 2.5 hours every single day. For most people, that isn’t just a goal; it’s a second job.

When reading turns into a competition or a race to hit a digital milestone, we lose the very thing that makes it special, the escape.

Focus on the Experience

If you read just one book this year, you are already doing something wonderful for your mind. Statistics often show that a significant portion of the population doesn’t pick up a book at all. Simply being a reader puts you in a great position.

For context, data from the Pew Research Centre suggests that roughly 23% of adults in the US report not having read a single book (in any format) in the past year.

In the UK, various surveys by the National Literacy Trust show that while reading engagement fluctuates, a dedicated minority of “frequent readers” accounts for most of the volume.

For 2026, I’m moving away from setting a numerical goal. The biggest achievement isn’t a “100” or “150” on a screen; it’s the feeling of a story that makes you think, laugh, or see the world differently.

My advice for the year ahead:

• Read to learn.

• Read to escape.

• Read to smile.

Enjoying what you read is the only metric that truly counts.

Until next Friday,

Sam

I read for fun and to relax, but a large amount of my reading is also for Murder Mayhem UK, my True Crime and History newsletter. This is why book notes have become so important to me. Many people ask me how I do this, and today I want to share my process with you.

The first thing to say is that I have many different methods depending on the book and the genre. I approach fiction completely differently from non-fiction. For fiction, I read in a variety of formats: audiobooks, eBooks, and physical copies. Non-fiction, however, I tend to stick to physical copies to aid my process.

The first tip is the most important: When you read something that makes you stop in your tracks, write it down. This could be a powerful piece of prose, a striking fact, or just the precise way an author has phrased something.

My Process for Fiction Reading

Ninety per cent of the fiction I read is for pure enjoyment. That is not to say that I do not take book notes on them, but they are fewer if I am not directly using them for my writing.

When I find a quote or piece of prose I want to save, I highlight it. On a Kindle, this is easy. On a physical copy, I use a little sticky tab which I can go back and collect later. Audiobooks are a little more difficult, and that affects the books I choose to listen to. I bookmark the passage and then try to find it in the text later.

The other 10% of my fiction reading is books like Far From the Madding Crowd and David Copperfield. I am researching a book on Victorian England, and sometimes fiction can tell us just as much about life as non-fiction. For these, I will tab the pages and write notes after every chapter if necessary.

My Process for Non-Fiction Reading

Now I fear I may have some of you shutting the article down at this point! I destroy my non-fiction books, but in my defence, I come back to them time and time again and am never going to pass them on to anyone else.

I read with a pen in my hand. I mark passages, I write notes in the margins, and I summarise every chapter at the end in three to four sentences. And, as if I have not committed enough bookworm crimes, I then dog-ear the pages I have marked so I can find them again.

Non-fiction books are a conversation between the author and me. I also have to admit to really liking the well-read look my books take on.

When I Finish a Book

Once I have finished a book, I let it sit for a week to give myself some distance from it. This helps clear my mind and gives me a fresh perspective on what is relevant and what is not.

• Fiction: Quotes and amazing pieces of prose go into my reading journal so I can look back on them sporadically and revisit some of my favourites.

• Non-Fiction: I write a full book note on everything I have collected that remains relevant after a week away from it. I use a markdown program called Obsidian. You can use any format you like; however, I would suggest typed is easier.

When this process is over, I go back through the notes and pull out parts that can go into articles or books I am writing. Most of what I have collected will be used somewhere because, for me, that is why I read non-fiction. You may be different, but I would still say that unless you write your own thoughts down about what you have read, you will forget it.

For the Uncomfortable Bookworms

The last thing to say is I understand how some of you might be uncomfortable writing in your books—again, this is personal preference. If this is you, treat your non-fiction how I do my fiction: use sticky tabs and a notebook.

Everybody will have a different method, but for me, taking booknotes is a crucial part of my reading and self-development journey.

Until next Friday: Read to learn. Read to escape. Read to smile.

As we approach October, I always get excited for what I call the spooky season. Every year, I try to read a classic horror novel; last year it was Frankenstein, and this year it will be The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. So, it seemed only right to take you on a journey to some of the world’s most haunted libraries.

Libraries aren’t just dusty halls full of books. For me, they are places to escape and discover new worlds. They’re vaults of memory, where the past bleeds into the present. Around the world, libraries are whispered to be haunted by restless scholars, cursed manuscripts, and the weight of knowledge no one was meant to read.

Some say they are haunted because the books are vessels of memory, with human lives trapped within their pages. Some books are even said to be bound in human flesh—luckily, probably not in your local library, but you never know.

Traditionally, libraries are meant to be quiet places of reflection. This silence helps us hear the creak of floorboards and makes us question whether a sound is supernatural or just our imagination.

The truth may be simpler: many libraries are built on old sites. Churches, monasteries, and burial grounds are often nearby, and the dead sometimes pop in to read the latest release.

Here is a walk-through of five notoriously haunted libraries.

Senate House Library, London

The Senate House Library has many famous collections, including the Harry Price Collection. This collection contains almost 13,000 items, all focused on magic and the paranormal. Harry Price was an infamous psychical researcher who gathered this vast collection during his lifetime.

The collection used to be located on the eighth floor of the library, which is when staff started to notice some strange phenomena. People reported hearing both laughing and whispering coming from the books. Some were even unlucky enough to see floating books and apparitions.

Two widely reported ghostly figures in the library were a cloaked figure and a glowing Blue Lady. According to Christopher Fowler, the Blue Lady also appears in the Senate Room.

Over time, these strange occurrences were not limited to the eighth floor. Throughout the library, lights would switch on themselves, cold spots would appear, and books would change floors.

Even the lift is said to be haunted by Sir Edwin Deller, the University of London’s principal. This poor man was crushed to death in the lift shaft in 1937, so people assume he is the lift ghost - although he has never confirmed it.

Bodleian Library, Oxford

Oxford is a city steeped in history and synonymous with reading. Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of reading the classics at Oxford University. Many people share this dream because Oxford has a reputation for being all about literature.

The famous Bodleian is the main research library of the University of Oxford. The building dates back to the 14th century and holds many famous manuscripts and first editions.

The library was originally founded by Sir Thomas Bodley, and it is he who is said to haunt it. According to legend, his spirit inhabits the labyrinth of corridors, guarding its treasures and watching over its vast collection of ancient manuscripts and rare books.

The story goes that on certain moonlit nights, when the library is quiet and cloaked in darkness, whispers can be heard, reliving history. Some witnesses have even reported passing the ghostly apparition of Sir Thomas Bodley, checking that no one is talking.

Trinity College, Cambridge

Not to be outdone by Oxford University, Cambridge is also said to have its own ghost in the library. Lord Byron’s ghost is said to haunt the Antechapel.

Byron, famous for hosting the party where Mary Shelley penned Frankenstein, haunts the building because of a 200-year-old grudge. Authorities denied his final resting place at Westminster Abbey, and he had to settle for the college.

When Byron died in Missolonghi, Greece, in April 1824, his many friends wanted him buried in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey, but their request was denied. A committee was formed, led by Byron’s friend and fellow student at Trinity, John Cam Hobhouse, to raise money for an appropriate memorial.

Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue arrived from Rome in 1834. After prolonged negotiation, the statue was installed in the Wren Library on 18 October 1845, at the suggestion of Master William Whewell.

During the college’s bicentenary commemoration of Byron’s death, a spectral image of the statue of Byron in the Wren Library appeared and disappeared with the changing light.

However, this was all a clever use of lighting to create a ghostly reflection for those gathered. Although, it would be wrong to say that all the sightings in Cambridge were clever lighting, as the library is said to be genuinely haunted by the restless spirits of scholars who never finished their work and will throw books around.

State Library Victoria, Australia

Ghostly libraries are not only found in Britain. Australia's oldest public library is also said to have more than one strange story of spooky events.

Several former staff members who worked in the Art Library said that two ghosts occupied that area. There was always a cold spot near the old piano.

Strange events used to happen there: music tapes would start playing when no one was around, books would fall off shelves, and lights would go on and off. This was to such an extent that security guards working at night would avoid the areas or find alternative employment.

Terri Rolfe, a Library Officer, tells a story of walking around the library at 2 a.m. because the security guards were refusing to go, thinking they were being ridiculous. She then saw a transparent figure standing by the piano. The woman had a long gown on and was holding the hand of a young boy.

She said the woman stared at her, and she felt a heat and an extreme sadness for the figure. It is safe to say she never dismissed the security guards’ reluctance to do the round again.

Willard Library in Evansville, Indiana

Willard Library is said to be one of the most haunted in the world. The Grey Lady is a core part of its identity, drawing visitors and researchers.

The first reported sighting of the Grey Lady was in 1937. An employee, who was in the library early in the morning to start the furnace, reported seeing a figure in a long grey dress and a shawl. The figure is said to have faded away. This initial encounter, along with subsequent sightings and unexplained events, cemented the library's ghostly reputation.

The most popular theory surrounding the Grey Lady's identity is that she is the ghost of Louise Carpenter, the daughter of the library's founder, Willard Carpenter.

The story goes that Willard Carpenter, a prominent abolitionist and philanthropist, left the majority of his estate to the library and other charities, intentionally leaving out his children. Louise, who was not happy with this decision, sued the library and then decided to get the ultimate revenge by haunting it.

Another theory suggests the ghost is not tied to the library building itself but to the land it was built on. The ghost is said to be a woman who may have tragically drowned in the canal nearby.

The Grey Lady's presence is said to manifest in various ways, ranging from subtle to more pronounced phenomena.

As well as the Grey Lady, books and furniture are said to move, taps are turned on, and toilets flush of their own accord.

I could do with a toilet-flushing ghost in my house.

The library has embraced its haunted history, installing a series of Ghost Cams that can be watched around the world, and offering ghost tours and paranormal investigations.

Your Local Library

So, remember the next time you wander into your library and the corners are a little dark and chilly, have a look around. You might find an unusual reader amongst the shelves.

Some readers never stop turning the pages.

The world knows Betty Boop. She’s one of the most recognisable cartoon icons of all time.

But what most people don’t know is that Betty Boop was modelled on a young Black child star called Esther Jones. Known on stage as Baby Esther, she created the style and voice that made Betty famous. Yet Jones received no royalties, no recognition and, over time, her name was almost erased from history.

The Hidden Star Behind the Cartoon

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Baby Esther wowed audiences with her singing, dancing and her signature phrase: “Boop boop-a-doop.”

She was a trained scat singer, dancer and acrobat, often compared to a miniature Florence Mills. Born in Chicago around 1919 or 1920, Esther’s parents initially managed her career. But after she won a Charleston contest, talent manager Lou Bolton stepped in and propelled her onto bigger stages.

By 1928, she was performing in New York on the same bill as Helen Kane, who later adopted Esther’s vocal style and claimed it as her own. That same year, Esther appeared in a Movietone short film, though the footage has never resurfaced. At the time, the Chicago Defender reported that she was the highest-paid child star in the world.

From the USA to the Moulin Rouge

Baby Esther’s career took her far beyond the United States. In the early 1930s, she toured Europe, receiving rave reviews and even performing at the legendary Moulin Rouge in Paris.

Although newspapers described her as just ten, her real age is uncertain. In show business, ages were often altered for publicity. Whether older or younger, Esther was undoubtedly a child prodigy.

Racism on Tour

Esther’s fame cut across racial lines. Fans of every colour wanted to meet her. Yet racism was never far away.

While touring Sweden, a restaurant refused to serve Esther and her mother because they were Black. The incident caused public outrage, and the backlash was so strong that the restaurant was eventually forced to close its doors.

Moments like this highlight the harsh contradiction of her fame. She could be idolised on stage yet discriminated against off it.

The Lawsuit That Changed Everything

In May 1932, actress Helen Kane sued cartoonist Max Fleischer, claiming Betty Boop was based on her image and voice. She wanted royalties.

But evidence quickly exposed the truth. Kane had watched Baby Esther perform years earlier and copied her style. Fleischer had also seen Esther’s act in 1928. A showreel of Esther performing confirmed she was the true origin of the “boop boop-a-doop” style.

The court ruled in Fleischer’s favour. Kane got nothing. Esther, the real inspiration, was never credited.

What Became of Baby Esther?

What happened to Esther Jones after her brief stardom is unclear. Reports conflict, some say she became a full-time acrobat but then found herself replaced by newer child stars.

Others have suggested she retired in 1934 after getting married and created a Harlem dance troupe. There are even reports that she died that year.

Reports also exist in Harlem World that she lived until 1984, passing away from complications related to drug use. The one thing we know is that we have no definitive answer.

The truth of her later life remains clouded, deepening the injustice of how little she is remembered.

Why Her Legacy Matters

The confusion surrounding Esther’s story is partly due to sloppy reporting, with journalists mixing her up with another Esther from the 1940s. It is also the result of misinformation deliberately spread by Helen Kane’s supporters to discredit Esther and protect Kane’s claim to Betty Boop’s fame.

Whatever the details, one fact is clear. Baby Esther was the original voice and spirit of Betty Boop. The fact that she was erased from the narrative reflects the deep racism of the entertainment industry. An industry quick to exploit Black creativity whilst denying Black performers their place in history.

Esther Jones deserves recognition not only as the hidden figure behind a cartoon icon but as a symbol of how Black talent shaped popular culture, even when society tried to write it out of the story.

There’s something electric about a good partnership. I have it with my crime partner Edward Anderson. Two creative minds crash into each other and something bigger than them comes out of the wreckage. It’s rare. But when it happens, you get revolutions, not just stories. Think Lennon and McCartney, Hitchcock and Herrmann, and Dickens and Collins in Victorian literature.

Most people know Dickens, the factory kid turned social critic, but fewer know the man who helped him reshape the crime genre from the inside out. Wilkie Collins wasn’t Dickens’s sidekick. He was a force. And when their paths crossed, they created a storm that still echoes in detective fiction, psychological thrillers, and courtroom dramas today. Their friendship was messy, creative, and at times deeply co-dependent.

The Addicted Genius Who Reinvented Crime Fiction

Wilkie Collins (1824 to 1889) was no background character. Born into an artistic family, his father was the painter, William Collins, Collins grew up in London surrounded by canvases. He started out studying law, but it never stuck. What did stick was his obsession with writing, and more than that, exposing the rot beneath Victorian respectability.

By the 1850s, Collins had started a career that would take him straight into stardom. His 1859 novel The Woman in White was a bestseller. It was the Gone Girl of its time, mixing suspense, social criticism, and a good old-fashioned gothic mystery. Then came The Moonstone in 1868, widely credited as the first full-length detective novel in English.

But Collins wasn’t just about crime. He used his stories to skewer the Victorian legal system, marriage laws, and how society treated women. He lived outside those norms too, refusing to marry, keeping two relationships running at once, and raising children out of wedlock. The man lived his truth, and his truth didn’t care what the Church of England had to say.

In his books, he portrayed women as strong, courageous, and having their own identity. They were bold characters who pushed the boundaries of social acceptance.

Collins was hooked on laudanum, a legal opium tincture, by the end of his life he was in constant pain from gout and half dependent on the stuff to function. Writing caused him great pain but it was something he couldn’t stop. He left behind more than thirty novels, along with a string of plays.

The Mastermind With a Megaphone

Charles Dickens (1812 to 1870) was twelve years older than Collins and already a literary juggernaut when they met. Born in Portsmouth and battered by poverty after his father was thrown into debtor’s prison, Dickens worked in a boot-blacking factory as a child, an experience that never left him. His anger toward institutional cruelty burned through every novel he wrote.

When The Pickwick Papers hit in 1836, he became a household name. He pumped out classic after classic: Oliver Twist, Bleak House, David Copperfield, A Christmas Carol, and Great Expectations, all while maintaining a public image as the moral compass of Victorian England. He was complex, driven, controlling, and more than a bit obsessed with his image.

Dickens loved theatre, though he wasn’t a fan of visual art. He acted, performed readings to massive crowds, and threw himself into dramatic roles like he was born on stage. That’s how he met Ellen Ternan in 1857, an actress who would become his mistress and cause a massive rift in his marriage. The unconventional relationship was something he had in common with Collins.

He stayed in Folkestone often, maybe to escape the chaos. Despite all the scandals and contradictions, Dickens used his fame to push for real change, tackling issues such as child labour, poorhouses, and corrupt law courts.

A Creative Brotherhood

Dickens and Collins met in 1851 through their mutual obsession with amateur theatre. Dickens saw something in Collins, maybe a protégé, a partner, or a kindred soul not afraid to live outside the norm. Their friendship took off fast. They travelled together, wrote together, and even shared the stage. Collins became a regular contributor to Dickens’s periodicals Household Words and All the Year Round, and their collaboration blurred the line between editor and equal.

It’s possible that Dickens based the character of Richard Carstone in Bleak House on Collins, a young man tossed from institution to institution for work, unsure of where he belongs.

When Collins’s brother married Dickens’s daughter, it caused a rift. Collins’s brother was irresponsible with money and, despite a reasonable allowance from Dickens, found it hard to live within his means. Dickens’s criticism of this caused Collins to defend his brother, which was the beginning of the two writers drifting apart.

When Dickens died in 1870, Collins was left without his closest collaborator. He kept writing, but there was a shift. He never really recovered from Dickens's death.

Not Just Dickens’s Shadow

People like to frame Collins as Dickens’s sidekick. That’s wrong. Collins wasn’t in anyone’s shadow. They pushed each other to be better, and sometimes worse. But their friendship gave Victorian literature its edge. It birthed sensation fiction. It gave working-class readers stories with teeth. It gave us detectives, secrets, and broken men hiding behind polite society’s masks.

They were a complicated, creative, co-dependent mess, and they changed the game. If I could have one literary wish, it would be that Collins had finished Edwin Drood, because I believe he knew the great man well enough to have completed the story in a way that truly satisfied.

Unpopular opinion: I like the Brontë sisters much more than Jane Austen. There are certainly some of Austen’s books I have fallen in love with, but others I have struggled through to the end.

That said, I greatly admire Jane Austen for changing the landscape of female literature forever. She was also a fascinating person who died far too young. Let us wander through the world that created Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park, and many more.

Pride

Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775 in Steventon. Her father was a clergyman, always with his head in a book, and her mother cared for the children. They were a respected family, though not a wealthy one. Jane was the seventh of eight children, with six brothers: James, George, Edward, Henry, Francis (Frank), Charles and one sister, Cassandra, to whom she was particularly close.

More than this, they were a family of storytellers and readers. Her mother would invent family tales to entertain guests, while her father encouraged Jane’s education and introduced her to literature from an early age. Jane inherited her sense of humour and storytelling abilities from her mother.

As a child, Austen wrote plays and poems and always created stories. When completed, the family would gather around the fire to listen to her read them aloud. She was just twelve at the time.

Prejudice

Although Austen never married, saying she had never been in love would be wrong. As a young woman, she fell in love with Tom Lefroy. The two were reportedly smitten, but his family sent him away to London to end the relationship.

It is thought that the two sisters in Sense and Sensibility, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, represent different aspects of Austen’s feelings towards Lefroy.

Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience — or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope. - Sense and Sensibility 

In 1793, she wrote her first adult novel, Lady Susan. The title character is a strong woman who is not swayed by love. This may have been another way for Austen to process her own emotions. It also ran counter to the romantic literature typical of the time, where women swooned at any man who showed an interest in them. 

Behind the scenes, her father contacted publishers on her behalf, though none responded favourably.

Sensibility

Tragedy struck in 1805 when her beloved father died. The family had retired to Bath five years earlier, but Austen was said to be deeply unhappy there. This may be reflected in the fact that she completed no novels during her time in the city.

After her father’s death, Austen found herself without a permanent home and financially unstable. She and her mother spent three years moving between the homes of various family members. These experiences mirror the life of Anne Elliot in Persuasion, who also stays with relatives and shares similar feelings about Bath.

In 1809, her brother Edward bought her and her mother a house. With some stability returning, Austen resumed editing her earlier works, including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility.

Once finished, her brother Henry helped publish Sense and Sensibility, which was attributed only to “A Lady.” Women of the time were not encouraged to have jobs and especially not to write novels. Austen earned the equivalent of £11,000 in today’s money from its success, giving her financial independence; particularly important as Edward later fell into debt and could no longer support her.

Sense

In 1813, Austen published Pride and Prejudice, a huge success. The book was credited to “The Author of Sense and Sensibility.” In 1814, Mansfield Park followed and was her most financially successful novel, though still published anonymously.

However, in November 1815, a major fan uncovered her identity. That admirer was the Prince Regent, later King George IV. He had purchased a first edition of Sense and Sensibility and was such a fan that Austen dedicated her next novel, Emma, to him.

Not all her publishing experiences were positive. In 1816, a second edition of Mansfield Park sold poorly. Austen had to use her profits from other books to repay the publisher for the unsold copies.

It was around this time that her health began to deteriorate. She grew weaker as she worked to complete Persuasion. By April 1817, she could no longer walk. She died on 18 July 1817 in her sister Cassandra’s arms.

Her brother would later publish both Persuasion and Northanger Abbey posthumously.

There has been much speculation about the cause of her death. Possibilities include Addison’s disease, Hodgkin lymphoma, tuberculosis, or lupus, though no official diagnosis was given at the time.

Legacy

Although Jane Austen’s life was relatively short, her literary achievements have had a lasting impact. Her novels, rich in social commentary and psychological insight, resonate with readers across generations. Each reflects the intricate realities of love, family, and class, often inspired by her life and experiences.

Despite the immense challenges she faced in getting published, Austen persisted. Ultimately, she published six major novels during her lifetime or shortly after, and she even gained a royal admirer.

Her characters, from the sensible Elinor Dashwood to the quietly strong Anne Elliot, remain iconic figures in literature. Austen’s legacy lives on through her writing and the lens she offered into the lives of women and the subtleties of human nature.

Jane Austen may have died in 1817, but her voice continues to speak to generation after generation.

Many classic tales have been passed down from generation to generation. Some are so well known that they can be told without a book.

My favourite job of the day is reading stories that entertained me as a child to my children. Two of the books here I have told versions of during these times. When we tell these stories, are we so engrossed in the adventure that we don’t think about the origin?

We may presume that they are entirely fictitious and the work of a writer’s imagination. We would be wrong to do this with every story; many have origins in real historical events.

From children’s books to horror novels — here are three of my favourite stories and the events that inspired them.

Hansel and Gretal

Most children and adults are familiar with the story of Hansel and Gretal. The story has scared and thrilled children for years, but few know its origins.

The first thing to remember is that Brother Grimm never intended their stories to be for children. Instead, their initial idea was to write books on German folklore. The stories were dark and filled with murder and mayhem.

The true story originates in the Baltic regions during the great famine of 1314. Due to an increase in volcanic activity in Asia and New Zealand, the climate changed, leading to worldwide crop failure and starvation.

Europe was hit particularly hard as the food supply was already scarce.

During this time, the elderly chose to starve, leaving food for the young. Many abandoned their children.

There was also clear evidence of cannibalism, including digging up the dead to eat.

Mothers were fed their children. Willian Rosen — The Third Horseman

From this grim chaos, the story of Hansel and Gretel was born.

Although horrific, it is clear how this tale led to the story's skeleton. As a writer, I am fascinated by the seeds that grow an idea.

Dracula

Most vampire novels have derived from the original classic, Dracula. In Bram Stoker’s book, the count is an undead menace to most. His main goal is to steal the blood and virtue of ladies.

However, it would shock some to know that Dracula isn’t solely Stoker's invention. The lead character is based on the real-life figure Vlad the Impaler. Vlad was the son of a Romanian ruler who lived during the 15th century.

Vlad fought a long war against the Ottomans. During this time, he acquired the nickname “Vlad the Impaler” from his favoured method of execution. After Vlad’s death, his blood-lust became the subject of morbid legends that Stoker heard.

There are also facts from real body decomposition. When a person dies, their skin begins to shrink away from their hair and nails, giving the appearance of having grown since the body was buried. The gums also recede away from the teeth, which explains why vampires are described as having fangs. Finally, the gas created by decomposition can make the body bloat, giving it the appearance of having been feeding.

Medieval vampire hunters found these corpses and attributed the signs of decomposition to the legend of vampires.

These facts, combined with Stoker’s brilliant storytelling, resulted in the best vampire novel ever written.

The Pied Piper

The story of the Pied Piper is set in the village of Hamelin. The villagers hire a strange man with a magic flute to rid them of the rats' infestation. The village leaders then refuse to pay him for his work. The piper returns and, using his magic flute, abducts the children. The children are led into the wilderness and never seen again.

The earliest mention of this story is from 1300. A stained glass window installed in the cathedral of Hamelin shows a man with a flute leading children from the city.

This isn’t where the story ends, though. In 1384, the town’s official records have the following line:“It is 100 years since our children left.”

Researchers have proposed many theories about this strange tale. The first is that the event is a fictional account of a tragedy that led to the majority of children in the city dying. This could have been a famine or natural disaster such as a pandemic.

The second theory is that the story refers to a 14th-century outbreak of mass hysteria. This condition caused people to dance uncontrollably. At least one group of children was known to have danced away from the city accompanied by musicians. It could be that this mania occurred in Hamelin as well.

One less horrific explanation is that the story references a mass emigration from the town.

The most disturbing, though, is that the story references the actions of a group of predators preying on children.

Whatever the truth, it is fair to say that this story, as well as the other two, has its origins in more than just a writer's imagination. Good writers use actual events to create masterpieces. These three stories have lived through generations and are as entertaining as the day they were written.

When you next pick up a classic and start reading it, take the time to think about its origins.

Eighty-two per cent of women have read at least one book in their lifetime. This is in contrast to 69% in men.

As a female writer, I have supported many, who have been treated badly by their male counterparts. This, however, is not a new phenomenon. It has been happening for centuries within literature.

The History of the Novel

Orinoko was the first book ever published in English. It is thought to be Robinson Crusoe, but this is untrue.

Robinson Crusoe was, however, the first book to be a success. England’s first bestseller. After the success of Robinson Crusoe, Samuel Richardson decided to write a novel to appeal to women. Pamela tells the story of a young servants resistance to the advances of her predatory employer. The book is a novel about power and it’s abuse.

From the publication of this novel, women started devouring novels. Reading became a female past time.

One of literature’s most famous classic novels, Frankenstein was written by a woman. It is thought of as being one of the first science fiction novels produced.

No Surrender tells the story of two women’s right to vote. One a mill girl, one a minor aristocrat, the book portrays their struggle to gain the right to vote. The novel was used to raise awareness and provide knowledge to women throughout the world. With the popularity of the novel amongst female readers, it was no wonder it was used by the suffragette movement.

Despite this rich history females were still treated as a poor comparison to men.

Female Authors in History

When the Bronte sisters first published their masterpieces the author was credited as ‘A Women.’ They also published work using male pseudonyms.

Mary Ann Evans chose the pseudonym of George Eliot when she wrote all her novels, feeling that a man would be better received.

Virginia Woolf’s novel A Room With a View tells of a woman’s need for her own space to write. A book criticised at the time. In the book, Woolf tells of not being able to access the Oxford library because she didn’t have a male companions. She also makes the point that whilst the likes of Charles Dickens had offices to write in women were expected to write in the parlour with everyone else.

Even today many writers use initials to hide their gender when publishing.

• E Nesbitt

• E.L James

• P.D James

• J.K Rowling

J.K Rowling chose a male pseudonym to write her adult series, branding herself as Robert Galbraith. Although, this was so she hid her true identity whilst trying to get published. But, it is interesting that even with her success she chose a male pseudonym.

Genre Discrimination.

Another example of female oppression in reading is shown through our genres. The genre Chick Lit was used to describe female literature. Giving it the derogatory title Chick Lit. The term implies that the literature is throw away, as not worth reading, as it is aimed at a female audience.

When we look at income from writing. The average wage for female authors is 89 cents compared to a dollar for men doing the same job.

There are still clear divisions between women and men in literature. Whether you write blog posts, fiction or poetry some males look down on female writing.

Females who before would remain silent, are now standing up and being counted. Some of my favourite books last year were written by extremely talented women.

Tell me your favourite female author?

I love the classics, but it wasn't always like that. I hated them at school. That was until I read the subject of this article, Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, and my love of dystopian classics erupted. This book leads me to Animal Farm, 1984, Brave New World and many more.

What was so special about the book? Ray Bradbury, for a start, I have loved everything he has written. Fahrenheit 451 was my first Bradbury but not my last, as I have spent years devouring all his stories. If you haven't read his book Zen in the Art of Writing, you should.

451 is not only a riveting read, ahead of its time, but it has a fascinating history. This is a spoiler-free article, so feel free to carry on even if you have not read the book yet, although there may be some spoilers for a couple of his short stories.

Fahrenheit 451

In 451, books are dangerous and need burning. All the information comes to the citizens through a large screen in their lounge. The information passed through the scene is curated and manipulated. Books are considered dangerous as they demand individuals to think for themselves.

We follow the story of Guy Montag, a fireman. This is when houses are burn-proof, firemen set fires rather than stop them, and the fuel they use is books. The plot follows our fireman through this life, and that is all I am telling you because if you haven't read it, you should.

Although many of us get our information through tiny little screens we hold, the world does not sound too far away from the one we inhabit now. That is the strength of the book. Although written in the 1950s, it has endured with a theme that relates as much today as it did then.

Inspiration

The book was published in 1953, but the idea had been in Bradbury's head for years. Bradbury was twelve when he read a history book about the burning of Alexander and the books that were lost there. A couple of years later, he watched on television as Hitler burned books.

Inspiration did not only come to Bradbury from world events but also from other books he read. At one point in 451, Montag meets a mechanical dog. The inspiration for this dog came from Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskerville.

The first essence of the story can be found in his 1951 short story, The Pedestrian. In The Pedestrian, Leonard Mead is strange. Rather than sit in front of his television night after night, he likes to go for a walk. During one of these walks, he encounters a police officer. Crime is non-existent in this futuristic world, so this lone policeman is looking for walkers.

A conversation between the two ensues, culminating in Leonard being taken to a centre to remove his strange ways. Those who have studied 451 will remember Clarissa McKlennan mentioning her Uncle being arrested for walking.

The Pedestrian was not the only short story that was used in 451. In another of his short stories, Bright Phoenix, we see the idea of book burning being explored.

The story that is recorded as being the inspiration for 451, though, is known as The Fire Man and introduces us to Guy Montag. It was this novella that Bradbury would develop into a longer novel. Wanting to change the title to something more dramatic, he phoned his local fire station to find out the temperature paper burned, and the name was there.

Published

The first edition was published by Ballantine Books in 1953, costing 35 cents. It will cost you considerably more to purchase today. The first run of books was both paperback and hardcover and contained two other short stories; it has a blue cover if you are lucky enough to see one in a charity shop.

These first editions, however, are not as expensive as some of the later designs. If you come across a red hardcover version, it is part of a personal set given to Bradbury. To buy at auction, this would set you back £4000.

However, the rarest of all the editions is an asbestos-covered fireproof version. Only 200 copies were ever produced, each numbered and signed by Bradbury. One of these would cost you anything from £10,000 upwards. Although we all know how dangerous asbestos is, it may not be the type you want to own.

Another less dangerous and unique copy is printed on paper that you can only read if you apply heat. My favourite copy by far, though, has a match stick for the last digit of the title. The side spine is then the strike for the match.

Subconscious

With the many reprints of 451 and its continued success, it is easy to pick up an affordable copy if you have not read it before or if this article has inspired a re-read.

When Bradbury was asked why he named the main characters after paper-related companies, he answered that it was something his subconscious did without him even knowing. Montag is named after a paper company, and one of the other characters, Faber, is named after a pencil company. I am not sure I believe it was subconscious. Do you?

Robinson Crusoe was first published on 25 April 1719. The book follows the lead character, Robinson Kreutznaer after being cast away on an island. Here, he spends twenty-eight years and encounters cannibals, captives and mutineers.

The first issue, when released, stated the author's name as Robinson Crusoe, leading many to believe the book was a work of non-fiction written as a memoir.

The book, which received wide literary praise, marked the beginning of realistic fiction as a genre and is widely considered the first English novel written. It, however, is not without its critics.

Alexander Selkirk

Many readers have likened the story of Crusoe to that of Selkirk. Selkirk lived in the 16th century, and for four years, he was famously a castaway on an uninhabited island.

Selkirk lived in the age of pirates and became involved in several buccaneering expeditions. In 1703, he joined the company of notorious explorer and privateer William Dampier, who was captain of the Cinque Ports, a sixteen-gun, ninety-ton vessel. Privateers were effectively pirates who operated under license from the government.

After several encounters with Spanish vessels, the Cinque Ports dropped anchor at an uninhabited island 400 miles from the coast of Chile. The idea was to restock with water and provisions.

At the time, Selkirk had argued with Dampier over the ship's seaworthiness due to the damage caused by the battles. The fight was so fierce that Selkirk opted to stay on the island rather than reboard the ship.

He spent four years alone on the island. During his time there, two ships docked, but both had Spanish crews, so Selkirk hid. Then, on a February morning in 1709, the Woodes Roger's docked at the island captained by William Dampier. He had come to rescue Selkirk.

It appears that Selkirk had been right. The Cinque Posts had sunk with its crew after leaving the island. Dampier and seven other sailors were the only ones to survive. Selkirk returned home and made his fortune.

Although Daniel Defoe never confirmed or denied the link to Selkirk, many have made the comparison.

Controversy

Many critics will state, though, that the book is mainly political and racist. In the book, Crusoe is described as the King of the island. At the novel's end, the island is referred to as a colony, both factors that refer to the British Empire.

Throughout the book, Crusoe is projected as the enlightened European, whilst Friday is called savage. Terms that are connected with both the empire and racism. Do not forget that Crusoe, at the end of the book, is made rich from a slave plantation he has in Brazil.

Some will claim that the book was more a promotional prospectus for potential investors than a novel. Two months before the book's publication, Defoe wrote in a journal that the South Sea Company should oversee the founding of a British colony at the mouth of the River Orinoco near present-day Venezuela.

Defoe chose to locate the fictional island that Crusoe is stranded on 40 miles from the mouth of the Orinoco. He furnished the island with a kinder climate to encourage people to invest in the new colony.

Sequels and Success

Robinson Crusoe did not suffer from this negativity. It has been republished over 700 times. Defoe published a sequel to the book The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, and a third volume followed in 1720.

Defoe experienced both literary success and ongoing personal challenges. The novel became immensely popular and established Defoe as a significant figure in English literature, but his life after the publication continued to be marked by financial difficulties and political controversy.

He published famous novels such as Moll Flanders, A Journal of the Plague Year, and Roxana. Despite this, his financial troubles continued. He was plagued by debt all his life, mainly due to failing businesses and political conflict. Defoe had to live cautiously to avoid creditors; at times, he worked under pseudonyms to avoid public attention.

Defoe's health deteriorated in his later years, and he spent much of his time hiding and writing; his later works never achieved the same level of success as Robinson Crusoe. He died in 1731 at around 70, reportedly in hiding to avoid arrest for debt. His death was somewhat obscure, and details about his final days are uncertain.

Inspiration

Robinson Crusoe may fail to be the first English novel. Several female writers have been discovered who wrote novels before. It did mark the beginning of the realistic fiction genre and inspired many other classics.

Many books were written in this genre afterwards. Most have fallen into obscurity, but some have been established as classics, such as The Swiss Family Robinson, a childhood favourite of mine.

Seven years after Crusoe, Jonathan Swift published Gulliver's Travels, which is seen as a criticism of Defoe's over-optimistic story. In Treasure Island, Stevenson parodies Crusoe with the character Ben Gunn.

My favourite connection, though, is one that drew me back to Robinson Crusoe and was the inspiration for this article. In the Wilkie Collins novel The Moonstone, Gabriel Betteredge, one of the main characters, puts all his faith in the book, using it almost to tell the future.

Historical literature will always spark controversy, be it the language used or the topics discussed. I do not think that these novels should be banned. These stories tell us a great deal about the development of language and society.

What do you think?

October is the month I read Frankenstein, and it is as much part of my reading schedule as A Christmas Carol. Frankenstein was published when Mary Shelley was nineteen years old, and many believe this is where her career ended.

The truth is that Shelley had many novels published in her lifetime and reached great literary success. She also came from a famous family, with both parents being activists.

Shelley was born in 1797 to two radical writers, so it was no surprise she became a writer herself. Her mother passed just after she was born, leaving her father to raise her. Although intellectually stimulated, she was not emotionally.

The lack of emotional attachment would shape her life and lead to her writing Frankenstein.

Famous Mother

Mary's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was born in London in 1759. She was as famous as her daughter for writing and a passionate advocate of educational and social equality for women.

Her hugely successful book, A Vindication of the Rights of Women, was considered a classic of feminism.

In 1792, Wollstonecraft left England for France, where she observed the French Revolution in Paris. Whilst there, she lived with an American, Captain Imlay, where she gave birth to a daughter, Fanny. The relationship lasted a year. Distraught over the end of it, she attempted to commit suicide.

Back in the UK, she met William Godwin, and on 29 March 1797, she became pregnant, and the couple married. The marriage, although brief, was a happy one. Eleven days after Mary was born, Wollstonecraft died.

Mary remained with her father, who remarried years later. The relationship between stepmother and daughter was strained.

Unusual Relationships

It was during an extended stay at friends that Percy Bysshe Shelley became interested in William Godwin. He was interested in the political views of the older man and went to visit him.

Shelley met Percy through her father. He had been corresponding with him on his ideas, visiting the family home with his wife.

When Mary returned she met the nineteen year old and instantly fell in love. Percy, at the time, was married to Harriet Westwood. The couple could not avoid their attraction, so they eloped to Europe. Godwin disowned his daughter but still sought financial help from Percy.

Mary travelled around Europe with Percy and her step-sister Claire Clairmont. Percy had always been friends with Lord Byron; Claire had also previously started a relationship with the poet. When they discovered Byron was staying in Geneva, they joined him in 1814.

Frankenstein (1818)

It was during the trip to Lake Geneva that Mary first wrote Frankenstein. Polidori joined the four and would spend many evenings reading poetry, arguing and smoking opium. Against a backdrop of thunder and lightning due to the intense weather, the conversation soon turned to more ghostly conversations.

One evening, Percy and Byron started an interesting conversation about whether human corpses could be galvanised and reanimated after death. Mary sat intrigued by the talk, adding little but listening intently.

The next evening, as they sat in the candlelit room, Byron challenged the group to write a better ghost story than they had shared.

Mary took to her room and started to write, later known as Mary Shelley. She would publish Frankenstein, and everyone would get their answer about whether corpses could come back to life.

A Love Lost

Her book History of a Six-Week's Tour recounts the continental tour she and Percy took during their elopement and stay in Lake Geneva.

Mary remained Percy's mistress for two years until his wife committed suicide in 1816, which left them free to marry. Mary then suffered the loss of two of her children on consecutive summers in 1818.

At the age of twenty-nine, Percy died in a boating accident during a freak storm. Mary returned to England and devoted her life to publicising Percy's work and supporting herself as an author. Her surviving child, Percy Florence Shelley, was the only family she had.

Other works.

However, you would think that Frankenstein was the only book she published as none of her others have received the same accolades. She, in truth, has a vast oeuvre of writing. She wrote journals, short stories, and historical essays. These are some of her more popular works.

Maurice, or the Fisher's Cot (1820)

Mary had a softer side to her personality and a great fondness for children. The tale follows a lonely orphan child, the former protégé of a fisherman, forming a bond with an equally lonely traveller and exploring the theme of parent-child relationships and reassembling severed families. It is considered one of Shelley’s most tender pieces of prose and, in retrospect, one of her most tragic, as she was writing when her relationship with her father, William Godwin, was virtually non-existent.

Valperga (1823)

Mary wrote across many genres, which is shown in this history book. This novel is how she deals with her hatred of the city-state warmongers. She weaves a fascinating story from her research.

The Last Man (1826)

This book is the next on my list to read. The dystopian novel deals with the unbearable loneliness of being one of the only survivors after an epidemic hits. Post-COVID, this has started to gain more popularity.

It is clear to see where the inspiration came from as it was written at a time when the bubonic plague was ravaging Europe. A group of humans spared from the disease band together. Mary uses this novel as an opportunity to comment on political ideas and the naivety of scientific progress. It deals with personal issues such as attachment, socialisation and personal responsibility.

Poetry and its creations, philosophy research and classifications alike awoke the sleeping ideas in my mind and gave me new ones. –Mary Shelley, The Last Man.

The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck (1830)

Crossing to another genre, this book is a romantic, historical novel about the life of Perkin Warbeck. Warbeck supposedly died in childhood and was replaced by an imposter, Richard of Shrewsbury.

Henry VII is mentioned in the book and described as a hateful character who hates his wife. Henry VIII makes a cameo as a cruel child. The book is based on facts Mary researched and incorporates much storytelling.

The Mortal Immortal (1833)

This is a short story, which was widely acclaimed. The main protagonist, Winzy, has cursed himself. Heartbroken by the lover who has spurned him, Winzy downs his wizard master’s potion in a semi-suicide attempt. It does the opposite and makes him immortal, though not invincible. Doomed to carry on for centuries, growing older and weaker in body and spirit but forbidden the mercy of dying, Winzy exists as a cautionary tale for anyone carrying around the belief that living forever is a soft, desirable fate

Lodore (1835)

In Lodore, Shelly focuses on power and responsibility in a microcosm family. The central story follows the fortunes of the wife and daughter of the title character, Lord Lodore, who is killed in a duel at the end of the first volume, leaving a trail of legal, financial, and familial obstacles for the two "heroines" to negotiate

The Lives of the Most Eminent Literary and Scientific Men (1829 - 1846)

This work was one that Mary worked on for many years. It was also her most financially rewarded project. It offered her a steady paycheck whilst she was trying to bring her son up.

The work was for Dionysius Lardner’s  Cabinet Cyclopædia. It was ten volumes long, a mountainous enterprise, but her son’s schooling and living expenses were pricey, and she was a determined mother and writer.

This encyclopedia offered readers short but richly informative blurbs about great European men of science and literature. Mary Shelley was its most prolific contributor. Denied access to many research materials due to her sex and low social standing, Shelley had to rely on her greatest and most powerful source to get the job done: her own brilliant mind. which has in the past caused contraversy as many question how accurate the telling is.

Falkner (1837)

As a six-year-old orphan, Elizabeth Raby prevents Rupert Falkner from committing suicide; Falkner then adopts her and brings her up to be a model of virtue.

However, she falls in love with Gerald Neville, whose mother Falkner had unintentionally driven to her death years before. When Falkner is finally acquitted of murdering Neville's mother, Elizabeth's female values subdue the destructive impulses of the two men she loves, who are reconciled and unite with Elizabeth in domestic harmony.

Mathilda (Published Posthumously)

The novel deals with a father's incestuous love for his daughter. This book was actually written by Mary very early on in her career. Large portions of it were completed whilst she was separated from her father. Many have questioned what proportion of it was written from personal experience.

It is largely thought that Mathilda represents Mary herself, whilst her father is portrayed as Mathilda's father. The poet Woodville that is in the book it thought to be Percy. Although the people are based on real characters in her life, many have argued how much of the story's plot is from the author's imagination and how much is based on events that happened to her.

Mary Shelley

Frankenstein was originally published without an author assigned as a mixture of ingrained sexism, and primary envy meant that most people were unwilling to admit an eighteen-year-old girl could have written such a story.

Frankenstein continues to enthral readers. Although initially condemned by some critics, readers devoured it and made the legacy of Mary Shelley. It is primarily considered the birth of science fiction, a genre going from strength to strength.

For an eighteen year old girl to produce a masterpiece like Frankenstein is extremely rare. It is clear from her childhood that Mary was encouraged to write; her mother's success must have been a great motivator for her.

At the time, though, Frankenstein received many bad reviews; the readers devoured it and made it the success it was. This was further aided when it found its way to the stage. Once Hollywood found the story, Mary Shelley was ingrained in all our minds.

If you haven't read Frankenstein I urge you to pick it up over this spooky month. If you have only ever seen the film versions, I am sure you will be quite surprised a whole section of the book never makes any interpretation I have seen.

If you have read Frankenstein, pick up another novel; her talent is endless.

Vlad the Impaler was a vicious 14th-century ruler who brutally murdered many of his rivals. He is also one of the inspirations for the 19th-century horror book Dracula. Although Vlad was never considered a vampire, legend tells of him dipping his bread in the blood of his victims and eating it. Whether these legends are true or not remains to be proven. What has been proven is what a remarkable soldier Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, was.

Early Life

Vlad was born in 1431 in Wallachia, a region of Transylvania. His father Vlad II was granted the surname Dracul, meaning dragon, after he was introduced to the Christian Military order Order of the Dragon.

Transylvania was found between Christian Europe and the Muslim Lands of the Ottoman Empire. It saw more than its fair share of bloody battles as the Ottomans tried to invade Europe and the Christians tried to repel them. From the families' perspective, they sided with whoever was more beneficial to them at the time.

Captivity

During his reign, Vlad II was called to a diplomatic meeting with the Ottomans due to his siding with Christian Europe. He thought it would be a good education for the boys, so he took his two sons, Vlad III and Radu, with him. Unfortunately, the meeting was a trap; all three were arrested and held against their will. Vlad II was released from prison on the agreement that his two sons would stay with the Ottomans as their captives.

During the five years the brothers lived as prisoners, the Ottomans saw that the boys were educated in science, philosophy and the art of war. Vlad, under their tutorage, became a skilled horseman and warrior. There were some reports that the boys were also tortured whilst they were held. What is known is that whilst there, Vlad observed many an enemy impaled as a form of punishment.

Impaling is putting a stake through a victim’s anus or vagina and letting the body’s natural weight pull the stake through the body. How sharp the stick was would depend on how long death took. It was a brutal way to die.

During captivity, it was not just the boys who suffered. Back home, life for the family was even worse. Vlad’s father was ousted as ruler of the country by local warlords and killed in the swamps at the back of their property. His older brother was then tortured, blinded and buried alive.

It is hard to say whether these events caused Vlad’s violence or the treatment by the Ottomans; either way, he started killing as soon as he was released. Radu chose to stay with the Ottomans, which created a rivalry between the brothers that would last a lifetime.

Battles and Revenge

After leaving captivity, Vlad attempted to retake his family’s throne. Although he succeeded, the victory was short-lived, and the throne was soon back in the enemy’s hands. Vlad fled only to fight many other battles and take refuge where he could.

In 1456, he went into battle against Vladislav II, the man who had killed his family and ruled after their demise. Vlad was victorious and personally beheaded his opponent in one-to-one combat. After that, he became ruler of Wallachia. Although by this time, Wallachia was not a prosperous land, it had been constantly ravaged by warfare.

Still, it was important for Vlad to assert his new power quickly. So he invited all those who could oppose his family to a banquet. As the guests were finishing the food, the soldiers stabbed them; their still-twitching bodies were then impaled, earning Vlad the title of Vlad the Impaler. These aristocracies were then replaced by loyal men who he could rely on.

Although Vlad brought stability to the area, he was a vicious ruler, killing all his potential enemies horribly.

Battle with the Ottomans

Having battled constantly with those north of him, the battle with the Ottomans was about to begin.

Vlad had many supporters, including those in Europe who celebrated his fighting prowess. In addition, the Pope spoke highly of his many battles at the time.

In 1459, an Ottoman diplomatic audience met with Vlad and refused to take off their turbans for religious reasons. So, Vlad had each of them nailed into their hats so they could never take them off again.

Knowing that the fight with the Ottomans would soon be upon him, Vlad took the battle to them, leading many raiding parties into their land to kill their soldiers in surprise attacks. However, it was inevitable that Vlad would have to face the Ottomans in his land.

Welcome Dracula

Vlad had many battles after this against his brother Radu, who the Ottomans backed. During one, he lost his throne to his younger brother and fled into Transylvania.

During this time, he retreated from a battle in 1462, leaving a field filled with thousands of impaled victims as a deterrent to pursuing Ottoman forces. It is reported that the Ottoman army turned back when they saw the level of violence Vlad used against his enemies.

In 1476, Vlad returned to Wallachia to regain his throne for the third time. Three months later, he was killed. Little is known about his death; some say he was killed by his men whilst impersonating an Ottoman soldier, and others say that an assassin killed him. What is known, though, is his head being delivered to Mehmed II, the Ottoman ruler, in Constantinople to be placed on the city gates. No records of Vlad’s death, and his body has never been found.

It is estimated during his reign, he killed eighty thousand, twenty thousand of these he impaled.

I have killed men and women, old and young, who lived at Oblucitza and Novoselo, where the Danube flows into the sea… We killed 23,884 Turks, without counting those whom we burned in homes or the Turks whose heads were cut by our soldiers… Thus, your highness, you must know that I have broken the peace with the Sultan. — Vlad the Impaler 1462

Many books were written about his exploits. Some state that one of these books was read by a young Bram Stoker and inspired the world’s most famous vampire, Count Dracula. Others speculate that Stoker’s conversations with historian Hermann Bamberger may have provided information on Vlad’s violent nature. No concrete evidence supports either of these theories; however, the characters seem too alike for it to be a coincidence.

Mention the South East of England, and one of the features of significance is the White Cliffs of Dover. This outstanding landmark has been in several films. It is an image that is synonymous with arriving in England.

Mention a character of the South East, and sooner or later, someone will mention Dr Syn. Dr Syn was a vicar by day and a smuggler by night. He operated out of Dymchurch-under-the-wall.

The Romney Marsh had a close link with smuggling during the 17th and 18th centuries. The coast is very close to the continent, and a short boat trip between the two meant goods were smuggled easily. 

Smuggling of tobacco and alcohol was a prevalent occupation during these times. Boats could be found bringing their contraband ashore. The Hawkhurst Gang was the most notorious of the time.

The Birth of Dr Syn

Dr Syn was a smuggler whose boat ran into problems in the channel. In sight of Dymchurch, he waded ashore and took on the persona of the local vicar. The previous vicar had drowned whilst trying to save other passengers from the boat. Reverend Doctor Christopher Syn was also the alias for Captain Clegg.

The local mist aided the smugglers to travel through the countryside. They were sometimes observed as ghostly figures as the mist swirled around their feet. The mist still occurs today. 

The smuggling gang used to run the contraband under the marsh using a network of secret tunnels and clandestine meeting places. Tunnels run under Dymchurch to aid the smugglers. One of these was from The Ship Inn. Visitors can verify this for themselves as there is still a door marking the entrance to this tunnel. 

A second tunnel was said to run from the church to the sexton’s house, Old Tree Cottage. Under the fireplace was a hollow stone which could have been an entrance to a tunnel. The house also had its share of strange noises and phenomena. It was a house steeped in history and where my obsession with mystery started, as it was my childhood home for sixteen years. 

Further evidence is held in the local church, which has nothing listed under the name of vicars between 1776 and 1793, the years Dr Syn was said to haunt the marsh. 

The Truth About the Smuggler

The legend of Dr Syn was the concept of the writer Russell Thorndike. His first book, published in 1915, was called Dr Syn: A Tale of the Romney Marsh. It is the only book in the collection that has been republished.

Thorndike first thought of the smuggling vicar during a tour of America with his sister. Whilst on holiday, a body was dumped below their hotel room window. Unable to leave the room and unable to sleep, the siblings started telling each other stories. This is where Thorndike first introduced the character of Dr Syn.

Thorndike based Dr Syn in Dymchurch, as he had purchased several houses there. His main house was the house I grew up in, Old Tree Cottage.

However, the facts I stated above are accurate; there is a door and a passage in the pub, the vicar isn’t listed, and under our fireplace was a hollow stone that even my father was frightened of moving. 

Dr Syn Today

The first Dr Syn novel was so famous that Thorndike went on to write another six. There are also three film adaptations and a mini-series made by Disney. Although Thorndike wrote several other novels, none proved as famous as his Dr Syn books.

The popularity of Dr Syn has never died. In November 2008, Dr Syn the Scarecrow of the Marsh was released on DVD—the copies of the film adaptation sold out within three weeks. Dr Syn has also appeared in the comic book The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. If you are lucky enough to own edition two of the comic, The Scarecrow, Dr Syn appears.

Locals in Dymchurch celebrate this character in a bi-yearly festival. Visitors at the festival will witness a re-enactment of the capture of Dr Syn. Arrested on the beach, he is then paraded through the high street. 

Local people play all the characters in the re-enactment.

How much of Dr Syn was fiction, and how much was local folklore no one knows? Russell Thorndike may have heard tales of smuggling in The Ship Inn and included them in his books, but to what extent remains a mystery, which he took to his grave in 1972. 

To this day, it is not hard to imagine smugglers riding the marsh when the mist settles and swirls around your legs. On cold nights, if you listen very carefully, you can still hear the sound of horses running. I should know. I heard them. 

A name you may not have heard of for a while but may hear more of soon is Donna Tartt.

Why?

She releases a book every ten years, and we are slightly overdue. The Goldfinch was last released in 2013. Tartt first exploded into the literary scene in 1992 when she released The Secret History. Her mix of mystery, intrigue and beautiful prose has earned her a place on the list of great writers.

So come with me on a journey through the life of one of my favourite authors and learn a little more about this highly mysterious writer.

The Little We Know

Tartt was born on 23 December 1963 in Mississippi. She grew up in a small town called Grenada. She tells stories in interviews of constantly reading as a youngster and devouring books at an incredible speed.

When she was five years old, she wrote her first poem, and at thirteen, she was published for the first time.

From 1981 to 1982, she attended the University of Mississippi, where her writing impressed writer Willie Morris. Morris showed her work to Barry Hannah, a university resident writer. Both men encouraged her to transfer to Bennington, Vermont, to increase her experience.

She worked alongside many writers here, but none of them made as much of an impact as her friend Bret Easton Ellis, to whom she dedicates The Secret History.

Bennington College inspired her for The Secret History, none more so than the environment. If you visit Bennington, it will not take you long to see the similarities between that and the college Richard attends. She started writing the novel at college but did not finish it for ten years.

Her Books

Tartt has written just three books; despite this, she is a highly successful author with a fantastic following. That is mainly due to the quality of the books she writes.

Her first novel was published in 1992 when Tartt was twenty-eight. She started writing it when she was nineteen, and she even states that the success of it surprised her. She worked in solitude for almost nine years before she submitted it to publishers. That was when a bidding war started amongst publishes, unheard of for a debut author.

Tartt states that the idea for the book was inspired by the Greek Tragedies, where you know the end of the story almost before you start reading. Although we all know what happens, the Iliad is full of suspense that keeps us reading through.

The Secret History is a novel that follows a group of privileged college students at an elite liberal arts college in New England in the 1980s. The story centres around a group of six friends who are part of a tight-knit clique, united by their shared love of classical literature and desire to distance themselves from their families.

As the group delves deeper into their studies, they become increasingly disillusioned with the superficiality of their peers and begin to see themselves as superior. Tragedy strikes when one of the group members, Bunny Corcoran, discovers their secret and threatens to expose them. In a moment of panic, the group decides to kill Bunny, leading to a chain of events that changes their lives forever.

This novel lived up to the publisher's initial interest as it has become a cult classic. It is primarily considered the novel which inspired the landscape of the dark academia genre. It spent an impressive 13 weeks on The New York Times best-seller list.

Her second novel was published in 2003. The Little Friend is considered the problematic middle child and is less popular than the rest. It is my last Tartt to read. It won the WH Smith Literary Award in 2003

The novel follows the story of Harriet Cleve Dufresnes, a 12-year-old girl growing up in a small town in Mississippi in the 1970s. The story follows Harriet's anxiety surrounding the unexplained death of her brother, Robin, who was killed at the age of nine.

The dynamics of Harriet's extended family–particularly her aunts–are a strong focus of the novel, as are the lifestyles and customs of contrasting Southerners.

As Harriet digs deeper into the mystery, she uncovers secrets and lies about her family's past, including her parents' troubled marriage. The novel explores themes of family, trauma, and the power of childhood imagination.

Through Harriet's eyes, Tartt masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and coming-of-age drama, creating a haunting and atmospheric tale that explores the complexities of human relationships and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic small-town life.

Her last novel, The Goldfinch, was published in 2013 and won the Pulitzer Prize in 2014. Tartt states that the idea for the book came when she was doing the promotional tour for The Secret History in Amsterdam. In true Tartt tradition, she recorded a snippet of an idea in her notebook.

The novel tells the story of Theo Decker, a young boy who survives a terrorist bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City that kills his mother. The bombing occurs when Theo is 13 years old, and in the aftermath, he is left with a profound sense of grief and disconnection from the world around him.

Theo is taken in by a family friend, Larry, and his wife, who provide him with a stable and loving home. However, Theo becomes increasingly withdrawn and isolated, struggling to come to terms with his loss. He finds solace in a small painting, The Goldfinch.

As Theo navigates his teenage years, he becomes obsessed with the painting and its symbolism, using it to connect with his mother and find meaning in his life. He also becomes embroiled in a world of art forgery and deception, further complicating his emotional state.

The Goldfinch is a sweeping and complex novel that spans decades, following Theo's journey as he grapples with his past and searches for a sense of belonging and redemption. As with The Secret History, Tartt dispels the myth that women can not write books with a male voice.

The fantastic thing about Tartt's writing is that none of her three novels overlap much in setting and circumstances.

The Power of a Notebook

Tartt is essentially a recluse taking to her house for the ten years it takes to write her books; she shuns the media. Looking at the few interviews she sits for when her books are read, it is clear that Tartt is an avid note-keeper. She speaks about her notebook on several occasions.

She has been known to write anywhere, but she distinguishes that this is rarely completed pages but more the skeleton for her novels, which she writes in her notebook. When she thinks of it, she writes it down. She states that most of the notes are tiny parts of her brain that are too short to be important, but together, they create a novel.

Notes from these notebooks then start the stories as she links them to the finished article. She mentioned several times during interviews that she felt uncomfortable in environments where she could not have her notebook near her.

She includes a range of details, such as history, gossip, true crime, or stories that inspire her. She is also an avid dream journal keeper; she stated that, on occasion, her dreams have made their way into her books.

I think the assumption is that novelists get some giant idea all in one piece, and then all they have to do is sit down and write it. And that may be true for some novelists but for me a book is a storm, a swarm, a party. Ideas don’t drop down on me singly, in monumental chunks, but flow in from thousands of different sources and tributaries evolving over a long period of time, and I think the texture of my books reflects that.

Writing Routine

The start of all her books comes from her notebook. She writes first by hand, scribbling in red and blue and stapling note cards to pages. Only when she has this structure will she start typing.

She tends to submerge herself in the world she is creating; for example, when writing The Goldfinch, she spent a lot of time in New York hotels and the public library. When asked why she writes in public places, she states that every time you need a character, all you have to do is look up. It may be her less-than-public life helps with her anonymity when writing in public places.

Tartt writes every day; she starts writing for three hours in the morning, and if the work is going well, she keeps working until she is tired. She describes this as the feeling a gambler has when they are winning. They do not want to leave the table.

However, if the writing is not going well, then after three hours, she will abandon it for the day and go and do something else. She writes in quiet rooms and prefers no background noise but has stated that her favourite modern artist to listen to is Lana Del Rey.

When she has finished writing, she will treat herself and read. She reads what she wants, not what she thinks she should read. However, she states that most of her reading is linked to her current project.

Writing is one level deeper than reading a book

Donna Tartt, the Reader

When watching interviews with Tartt, the one thing that struck me was how her face lit up when she talked about reading, especially the works of Charles Dickens. Reading her books, it is clear that Dickens inspired her prose as much as her imagination.

As a reader, she shows the same level of detail as she does in her writing. She purposely left Dicken’s Bleak House to last because she knew it would be her last Dickens and wanted to enjoy the moment more. She now says it is her favourite among all his novels.

Dickens became part of her life. She has been compared to him many times and states that this is a huge compliment.

When asked what she was reading whilst writing The Secret History, she gave a comprehensive list of books she not only read but also credits them with inspiration for some of the scenes. These books include the following:

• Brideshead Revisited

• George Orwell

• Jekyll and Hyde

• We Always Lived in the Castle

• The Talented Mr Ripley

• Plato's Dialogues

When she finishes writing, she states she can not wait to dive into her reading as a form of relaxation.

I don’t feel guilty about reading any book I enjoy, or that keeps me interested, though sometimes I feel guilty about listening to an audiobook instead of reading the book on paper. That’s probably silly, though, because I listen to audiobooks at times when I wouldn’t be reading anyway, when I’m walking the dogs or ironing shirts.

Is there more?

The Secret History, for me, is her best work; it is a book I fell in love with and one of only a handful I have re-read. I love her other work, but there is something beautiful about this first one.

If this article has inspired you, then the good news is that you only have three books in her collection to read. I would suggest you read them in the order they were published, but as they are all standalone, you can start anywhere.

Tartt has stated that she is writing another novel, so I hope the next article I write will be reviewing her new book because I will be queuing up to get my hands on a copy.

The beauty of her books is summed up in this quote from her.

For me, writing a novel doesn’t feel like an address to an audience so much as a direct interaction with one other person.

As a writer, I am always fascinated by the origins of stories. Where did the writer get the inspiration to write that particular tale?

As a child I loved tales by Brothers Grimms, Hansel and Gretel being one of my favourites. Many of our favourite fairy tales have strange origins. Hansel and Gretel is certainly one of the more disturbing.

The Story

The story opens with a pair of children bring left by their starving parents in a forest. The children learn of their parent’s plan and follow a trail home, stones dropped by Hansel. The mother then convinces the father to try again and abandon his children.

This time unable to get stones, Hansel drops breadcrumbs, but the birds eat them and the children become lost in the forest.

The starving children find a gingerbread house that they start to eat. The home is a trap to lure children in. The witch enslaves Gretel and forces her to feed Hansel, the premise to make him fat enough to eat.

The pair trick the witch, Hansel presents her with a bone for his finger. She thinks he isn’t putting on weight. When she attacks him they force her in the oven and kill her.

The story itself features child abandonment, cannibalism, murder and enslavement.

The Real Hansel and Gretel

Unfortunately, the origins of the story are just as horrific, if not worse.

The first thing to bear in mind is that Brother Grimm never intended their stories to be for children. Rather their initial idea was to write a German folklore book. The stories were dark and filled with murder and mayhem.

The true story originates in the Baltic regions during the great famine of 1314. Due to an increase in volcanic activity in Asia and New Zealand, there was a large climate change. This led to worldwide crop failure and starvation.

Europe was hit particularly hard as the food supply was already scarce.

During this time the elderly chose to starve, leaving food for the young. Many abandoned their children.

There was also clear evidence of cannibalism. Including digging up the dead to eat.

“mothers were fed their children.” Willian Rosen — The Third Horseman

From this grim chaos, the story of Hansel and Gretel was born.

Although horrific in nature, it is clear to see how this tale led to the skeleton of the story. As a writer, I am fascinated at the seeds that grow an idea. I read somewhere that Stephen King dreams his books. Not sure how true that is?

Many books have been banned over the years. Banned books week looks at these books and allows us to question why.

Many are considered unsuitable for children, which is why many were banned. These are classics, though, that I believe all should have the opportunity to read.

You will notice from this list that all prove the point that there is no such thing as bad publicity, as all five had been both bestsellers and box office smashes. However, some may contain spoilers, so I urge caution if you have not read them.

Here are five books that make the banned books list, which have also been made into films. Although many of the films received nominations for awards, none of them is as good as sitting down with the original novel.

Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men is a short novel written by John Steinbeck. Published in 1937, it tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small. Along a similar theme to Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, this novel tells the story of two displaced migrants making a living working as ranch hands. Set in the Great Depression, this follows these two men as they search for new job opportunities in California.

George is intelligent yet uneducated; Lennie is a large, strong man who is considered mentally disabled. Terms like this have made the book a favourite of the thought police. This book explores the lives of these men, their relationships, and the hardships of the time.

Both men have a dream of settling down on their land. Whilst working on one ranch, their history is hinted at and then revealed as an allegation of rape. Lennie enjoys physical work and also tends to pet rabbits. One time whilst touching them he accidentally kills one, not realising his true strength. The story follows the pair to its conclusion.

The book was turned into a very successful film in 1992. Gary Sinise who not only starred in the film but produced it played George Milton; John Malkovich played the role of Lennie. The film was nominated for the Palme d'Or award and received critical acclaim.

The book was banned by Henry Sisley High School in Montana in 1948 after they had received multiple complaints. Parents and staff had noted they had concerns about racist stereotypes and slurs.

As a result, the book is considered one of the most challenged books of the 21st century. It has been banned in many other countries but remains on the GCSE reading list in the United Kingdom.

Teaching it to my GCSE class has reignited my love of the book. I believe it has some important messages that would be lost if it was permanently banned.

Lord of the Flies

This book is set on an island where the boys have been stranded. The opening scene shows a young boy called Ralph walking with a larger boy. The boys have been evacuated from the war, surviving an enemy air attack and their plane crashing.

Unfortunately, no other adults are around, so the two boys decide to attract the other boys' attention by blowing through a conch shell. It is revealed then that the other boys call the larger boy piggy.

William Golding tells the story of how this group of boys started by establishing rules and a system of government. However, the group turns violent and brutal, killing one of its members without supervision. In the larger context, the book shows that human nature is fundamentally savage; we are left to consider if this would happen to humanity without rules.

The book has been the inspiration for three films the first in 1963, the second in 1990 and the last in 2002. Many consider the 1963 adaptation to be more faithful to the novel. Golding also supported this film.

The 1990 film, however, contained more notable stars such as Balthazar Getty, James Dale and Chris Furrh. As a result, the film was nominated for three awards, including the best ensemble of new talent.

The last version of the film received no such accolades and won the coveted rotten tomato.

The book has been banned from many schools and is in the top ten challenged books. Critics stated that the book's language and violence are unsuitable for children.

They state that the constant portrayal of bullying, one of the main plot lines, is also dangerous to children. In addition, some will say the book promotes pro-slavery, which is not a message children should read.

Although the book has some controversial aspects, it brings about some important messages about power and corruption. Maybe if more people read it, humanity would be in a better position.

The Color Purple

This newer book, written in 1982 by Alice Walker, tells the story of Celie, a poor young African-American teenager living in the US.

The story is harrowing as we read the letters she writes to God as her father is beating and raping her. Celie has two babies by her father, who are taken from her at birth.

Celie is then married to another man. Mister marries her as he has two children who need caring for. We then see Celie again being mistreated by not just Mister but his children.

The story continues into an epic tale, covering forty years, showing the abuse and bigotry she receives.

The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey. It was a huge box office success, received critical acclaim, and was nominated for eleven academy awards.

Since being published, The Color Purple has been challenged many times and banned from school libraries across the US.

There have been various reasons the censors tried to ban it, including religious objections, homosexuality and violence. In 2017, it was successfully banned in all Texas State prisons for its explicit language and graphic depictions of violence.

The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner is a masterpiece by Khaled Hosseini. It was published in 2003 and tells the story of Amir, a young boy in Kabul.

The story is set during the events of the fall of the Afghanistan monarchy through the Soviet invasion. It also covers topics such as the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the Taliban regime.

The book deals with themes of guilt and redemption and has a particularly harrowing scene of a sexual assault on one of Amir’s friends.

This is one of the books that taught me so much about the world and made me appreciate the freedoms I take for granted.

The film was made in 2007. Although set in Afghanistan, the film was filmed in China, Afghanistan was considered too dangerous at the time.

This story was banned not only in book form but also in film. The film was banned from many cinemas and was not distributed in Afghanistan.

The film was a great success, received many positive reviews, and was nominated for a Golden Globe.

The book earns the award of being in the top ten books banned. The main concerns about the novel are its sexually explicit content, offensive language and general age inappropriateness.

Despite this, the book remains an essential piece of literature and one that has lived with me since I read it. Incidentally, it is not my favourite Hosseini book, that is saved for A Thousand Splendid Suns, another masterpiece.

To Kill a Mockingbird — Harper Lee

When I started this article, I was determined not to tell you my favourite. But, if you know that my firstborn was named Harper after my favourite book, I think it becomes pretty apparent. The book is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. Again this is a story set in the Great Depression. The main character in the story is Jean Louise Finch, Scout to her friends.

Scout is a clever girl; this story covers three years of her life, from six to nine. It is a book about growing up and finally seeing the world for what it is. Scout and her brother Jem are raised by their widowed father, Atticus Finch. Atticus is a well-known and respected lawyer eager to teach his children lessons, such as empathy, through his actions.

When one of the town’s Black residents is accused of raping a young white woman, Atticus agrees to defend him despite the threats from the community. However, despite Atticus putting up a good defence Tom Robinson is still convicted. Later in the book, he is killed trying to escape. During this time, the children become interested in Boo Radley, a hermit who lives in the town.

As the story progresses, we discover that the young woman has been killed by her father, Bob Ewell. When Ewell attacks the children, Radley intervenes and kills him. However, the town sheriff, reluctant to show a Black man was wrongly convicted, files the murder as an accident.

The film version received critical acclaim and was a huge box office success. It earned more than six times the cost of producing it and won three Oscars. One of those awards went to Gregory Peck, who played Atticus in the film. In 2003, the American Film Institute named Atticus Finch, the greatest movie hero of the 20th century.

The book was banned when parents complained about the racist epithets. The books were removed from the required classroom reading list. The teachers were told that they could use the text with small groups of students after they had received the required training on facilitating conversations that the book may bring about

Should books be banned?

The one thing that all these books have in common is they have all profoundly changed my life. Most of them would appear on my top ten reads list. They are important pieces of literature that extensively teach children and us.

I firmly believe that we are not giving our children enough credit by standing up as a parent and demanding books are banned. Having studied most of these books with my GCSE classes, I can tell you that they understand the themes.

They get that the world was very different when the books were published. They like discussing the themes and the way the world has changed. If we ban the books, we deny them the opportunity to have these discussions.

Yes, some of the terminologies might be outdated; the themes adult in essence, but the books were written at different times in our history. What is considered offensive now may not have been at the time of publication.

Is it not better that instead of banning these books, we examine our pasts? From this, we can learn and grow and ensure we do not repeat the same mistakes.