Author Q&A

What is The Cicada House about?

When Caitlin’s husband walks out she makes a snap decision to head to Australia, setting off on a trip that’s equal parts escape and reckoning. The tale may start in a familiar way, but quickly evolves into something unexpected. Think Richard Curtis meets The Time Traveler’s Wife with a touch of Dolly Alderton — a sharp, funny love story about a woman finding her way back to herself.

Is there a book that made you love writing?

Reading anything by John Cheever simultaneously makes me want to burn every word I’ver ever written, and tattoo his entire collection over my body. Extreme? Okay. But go read O Youth and Beauty! and tell me you don’t agree.

What’s the best book you’ve read?

Let’s pretend you asked for one of the best … Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies intertwines beauty and plot with exquisite delicacy. It never fails.

A book that had a pivotal impact on your life?

Maurice Sendak's Chicken Soup with Rice. It’s been read through generations of our family. The rhythm, the absurdity, the simplicity. It’s enough to make any little person fall in love with words.

The book you couldn’t finish?

Too many! At 19 I embarked on a mission to read every Pulitzer Prize winning novel … yes, what a ‘19-year-old’ thing to do. But I learnt two things. I wanted to become a writer, and life’s too short to complete a book you’re not enjoying — not matter what anyone else says.

A book you wish you had read but haven’t got to?

Lonesome Dove. Because it’s my husband’s favourite book, and he’s never wrong (but please don’t tell him I said that).

The book you are most proud to have written?

The Cicada House! My first book was a memoir, and I never thought I’d write a novel. Turns out, crafting fiction is easier (and more fun) than digging through your own life.

Your favourite place to read?

I’ll admit it — I used to be a snob about audiobooks. But last year I listened to more books while driving and tackling housework than I’d managed to read in years. It’s a miracle, and I can’t wait to do chores.

What book do you re-read?

My comfort read is The Little White Horse, an antique children’s chapter book by Elizabeth Goudge. It’s Enid Blyton with less syrup, and has a description of a bedroom what would make Virginia Woolf swoon.

What books are on your bedside table?

I’m very excited to jump into Maggie Alderson’s latest Would You Rather — few people write relationships better than she does.

What are you writing next?

I’m noodling around with the idea of a novel about a woman who lives a perfect life, until she doesn’t. It’s set in North London and I’m loving revisiting crooked lanes, faded pubs and dark secrets.