Mid-Summer
has arrived, the lockdown is easing and things are returning to some semblance of normality. But let’s be honest, it isn’t really. For the first time in four months I visited the hairdresser, something I usually regard as a treat, but it felt very far from that. Masks, every other chair empty, no tea and coffee. All the ‘treat’ had gone out of the experience! The same goes for shopping, eating out, and all manner of other activities.
We have come out of the initial crisis, and now we must look forward to an uncertain future, facing the full impact of the economic shock, job losses, every chance of an upward spike in this invisible enemy, and a rapidly changing world. It’s a period of adaption, because ‘normal’ life is going to be a very different ‘normal’ going forward, at least for the foreseeable future.
Once again, I return to the solace of books! They are an opportunity for escapism, a safe and certain route into a world outside of our own four walls. Whether this solace is gained from uplifting and comforting easy-reads; those which introduce us to lives and places different to our own; gripping thrillers; books which challenge our vision of the world or literary masterpieces, reading has been a real and necessary comfort to many, many people during these strange times. Not everyone has access to Netflix, Sky TV or internet resources and the fact that books are available to all through libraries as well as bookshops and can be ordered on line is more important than ever. It is great to see bookshops reopening and if you can support your local store, please, please do! But this is a newsletter, so I should share some NEWS! People Like Us published in ebook and audio in the UK and Australia in May and wonderful reviews have been flooding in! With an average 5* rating, people are really enjoying the book, which is wonderful and gratifying! The hardback publication was pushed back to 6th August as a result of the pandemic, so hopefully, with bookshops open once more, a copy might be spotted out there soon. If you do see one, please do share a picture - it has been a lifetime dream to see my book in a shop!! There have been difficulties for bookshops to obtain, in particular, copies of new books, so if you can’t find one or would prefer to order on-line, you can do so here: Waterstones and Amazon or even better, from your local independent store through Hive. The book will also be publishing in paperback in Australia on 5th August, and can be pre-ordered on Amazon here . In America and Canada, the US title, Daughter of The Reich came out in all formats on 12th May. I’ve been overwhelmed by the wonderful reaction to the book across the pond! I’ve received some incredible and generous messages from lovely readers of all ages, both men and women, and it’s honestly been the best part about being an author. After years of writing in isolation, to know your work is reaching and connecting with people all over the world, is incredible and I’m still pinching myself. The US link is here, and for Canada it’s here. The book is also out in Holland and receiving great reviews there. If you happen to be a Dutch speaker, you can read De Dochter van de Nazi by ordering a copy here. The book has now sold to a few more territories and so will be translated into a total of ten foreign languages to date. I’m looking forward to being able to reveal my Spanish cover in September, ahead of publication there in November.
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