Aberdeenshire author Alessandra Thom talks her books of the year, the authors who have inspired her and the books of her childhood.
The first book I remember reading:
I remember being about five and reading a Biff, Chip and Kipper book out loud, and realising I could read. But the first novels I really loved were Jacqueline Wilson books, or Anne of Green Gables, or anything by Eva Ibbotson. Also, those bright, sweetie-coloured books about the different fairies. Loved those.
A book I recommend to everyone:
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. She’s a master of tension and atmosphere. I don’t know anyone who’s not loved it.
The best book I have read in this year:
I’ve read some stunners recently. Women by Chloe Caldwell, Gender Theory by Madeline Docherty, Gliff by Ali Smith, Heartburn by Nora Ephron, All Fours by Miranda July, White on White by Aysegul Savas. Too hard to choose. I’ve also read some beautiful poetry. Splenectomy by Eloise Birtwhistle (about the spleen, and leeches, and free-diving). And The Tattoo Collector by Tim Tim Cheng (about tattoos and family and colonialism). Loved them both.
The book I am most looking forward to:
Lovergirl by Nicole Sellew, hands down. I was very lucky to read the first few drafts of this and I can’t wait to read the final version. Nicole is such a talent and Lovergirl is atmospheric and precise and beautiful. In poetry I’m looking forward to Afterbody by Medha Singh, and Robbie MacLeòid’s forthcoming poetry collection too.
A book I didn’t finish:
I think any book I don’t finish probably has quite a lot to do with me and my dwindling attention span.
An author that has inspired me:
When I was writing Summer Hours, I read for the purpose of learning how to write. Everything I read during the years I was writing and editing inspired me. With what I’m writing right now I’m very inspired by Carys Davies, Constance Debre, Eva Baltasar, Banana Yoshimoto and Tove Jansson.
The book I am reading now:
I’m reading a couple of books at the moment. Playboy by Constance Debre, and Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley, and I’m reading a poetry book by Tove Ditlevsen which was recommended to me by a bookseller in Argonaut Books in Leith and has a very nice cover, which shouldn’t sway me, but always does. I’m also looking forward to getting started with Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin and Before We Hit the Ground by Selali Fiamanya.
Summer Hours (Polygon) by Alessandra Thom is out now.
Read more of The Good Books here.
Subscribe to read the latest issue of Scottish Field.
Author
TAGS
FOLLOW US
