Charlie Lovett
Have you come across an American novelist called Charlie Lovett? He’s a writer, teacher and playwright and his books have been on the New York Times bestseller list.
I really loved his mystery novel First Impressions about a girl called Sophie who works in the antiquarian book business and gets drawn into a mystery that connects her to Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice. It was so cleverly written. I also loved The Lost Book of the Grail which is set in Barchester, a fictional county dreamed up by Anthony Trollope. The book is packed with Trollopian names and associations, although the main plot is concerned with Arthurian literature. It’s an excellent read.
Lovett worked for years in the antiquarian book trade, so his knowledge of old books and their value comes through in The Bookman’s Tale, which has a Shakespearean theme. He’s a writer who makes you share his love for the smell, feel and sight of old books. I have not yet read his The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge, but assume that connects in interesting ways with Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. I love mystery novels that draw on literary characters, places and authors, so Charlie Lovett is a real favourite with me.
Let me know what you think, do you enjoy Charlie Lovett’s work? Tell me why in the comment area below.
Charlie Lovett: Investigating the voice behind an English classic
First Impressions by Charlie Lovett
The Lost Book of the Grail by Charlie Lovett
The Bookman’s Tale by Charlie Lovett
The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge by Charlie Lovett
Susannah Fullerton’s Charles Dickens: The Masterpieces
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Ruth Williamson
Reading “The Bookman’s Tale” was a delight for me, from start to finish. Lovett’s ability to evoke a feast for the senses, associated with antique scripts and books, is something I won’t easily forget. I have had his “First Impressions” awaiting my attention for some time and am so pleased you found it did not disappoint you as an ardent Janeite!
Susannah Fullerton
He is such a fun author. I have loved the three of his books I have read. I am sure you will enjoy his First Impressions and his Lost Book of the Holy Grail because of good stories and so many literary associations. He is an author who clearly adores books!
Kim Pittar
Hi Susannah – a recent book that cleverly entwines a modern day story with a short part of the life of WH Auden is “Larchfield”. Set in Helensburgh, Scotland, a young women’s life becomes linked with the time WH Auden taught at Larchfield school for boys in the 1930s. It’s very good.
Susannah Fullerton
Thanks, Kim, that does sound good. I love novels that bring in real authors as characters, and should probably do a piece about such books in the newsletter soon. I am currently in Ireland, but will look for Larchfield when I get home.