Today I welcome author Faith Mortimer to discuss A Life in Books. Faith writes in three genre: psychological thrillers, murder mystery and for a little light relief, women’s fiction with romance!
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born in Manchester, England. My childhood was spent on Royal Air Force camps around the Globe, kindling my lifelong enthusiasm for seeing new places and meeting new people. After returning home from boarding school (Kinloss House) in Singapore, I attended Purbrook Grammar School in Hampshire but there was never enough time for study; life was for reading, writing, painting, amateur dramatics and sport! I left school with a handful of ‘O’ levels but a wealth of interests.
My love with books began at age 4. Early favourites were those by Enid Blyton and found myself joining the Famous Five and Secret Seven on their many adventures. This love for books remains. The mysteries and secrets of novels dance around the edges of my mind often keeping me awake into the long hours of the night.
Writing now takes pride of place in a very full lifestyle which includes, walking, hashing, drama, reading and of course sailing and skiing whenever time permits. A 19th book has already been started!
What was your favourite book from childhood?
I didn’t have just one favourite book – I loved Enid Blyton; the Famous Five and Secret Seven series. I also enjoyed the Mallory Towers books which was all about life away from home at boarding school. I enjoyed the adventure and found myself lost in them – school work suffered as a result!
What type of books did you read as a teenager?
I enjoyed historical romance and straight historical stories. I enjoyed delving back in time and different periods captured my imagination. I suppose anything which was adventurous and exciting!
When you were at school what was your favourite book you studied?
Difficult one. I remembered being interested in Shakespeare and some of the classics. For some reason, Macbeth was a favourite! I loved the long speeches and drama in the history.
What is your favourite classic book?
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, written in 1908. Maybe not as ‘classic’ as
the Bronte’s but alternately slow moving and fast paced, focusing on four animals in a gentle pastoral version of early Edwardian England. The novel is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality and camaraderie, and celebrated for its evocation of the nature of the then beautiful Thames Valley. If you read carefully you’ll find it covers all aspects of life.
What would you consider to be one of the best books you have had over the last 5 years
The Far Pavilion by M M Kaye…I’ve read this at least four times and still love it. To quote The Times, ‘Rip-roaring, heart-tugging, flag-flying, hair-raising, hoof-beating … the very presence of India’. I liken it to a Gone with the Wind’ only set in India. It is also brilliantly written and conjures up vivid scenes from India.
What book to you think you should read but never get around to?
Far more Charles Dickens. I’ve read a few when I was a teenager but at the time considered them to be very dull and gloomy. Now I’m ‘grown up’ I can appreciate them more! It’s just finding the time to indulge in a good read….
What do you consider to be your favourite book?
I can’t answer that as I have a few…as I’ve already mentioned The Far Pavilions, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, the early Wilbur Smith novels, especially those set-in Africa. The Poldark series by Winston Graham, Shogun by James Michener, also Chesapeake and Hawaii by the same author. All good stuff!
Is there a book that you have started but been unable to finish?
Quite a few lately. I wonder if more books coming out are not being edited properly…I mean both for product and grammar.
If you were stranded on a desert Island which 2 books would you want to have with you
Hm. They would have to be great tombs…probably time to read more Dickens and The Far Pavilions once again.
Kindle or Book?
Both have their unique uses. The kindle for ease of use and brilliant for holidays, but there’s still nothing like getting your hands on a new paperback.
You can find me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaithMortimer.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaithMortimer
Website/blog: http://www.faithmortimerauthor.com/
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2967303.Faith_Mortimer
Amazon US Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Faith-Mortimer/e/B002EQ8HH6/ref
Amazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faith-Mortimer/e/B002EQ8HH6/ref
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