Transworld Publishers have a wealth of exciting new talent which we are publishing next Spring with exciting debut novels from Curtis Sittenfeld (author of the much hyped and deservedly so, American Wife) and Julia Widdows (author of Living in Perhaps).
As well as these literary gems, we at between-the-lines are rubbing at hands with glee at the release of debut author Elle Newmark’s The Book of Unholy Mischief which hits the shelves on the 12th March 2009.
Reminiscent in style of Kate Mosse and Joanne Harris, between-the-lines have devoured proof copies of this novel, and have been left with an insatiable taste for Italian cuisine and Venetian culture (Lynsey is booking her flight now)!
The book follows the endeavours of apprentice chef Luciano, and his search for a book feted to contain all that his heart desires. We asked author Elle Newmark to divulge her own secrets of where her inspiration came from. Check out her answers below, and do try out her fantastic recipe! Two parts author to one part culinary maestro, Elle Newmark we salute you!
Q. 1. Teaching is an important issue in the book; do you think there is a central lesson that comes across from your work?
A. Oh, sure. The message is that civilization advances through knowledge, and this fact places teachers among the most important people on earth. Librarians, the keepers of the flame, are equally invaluable, and I think teachers and librarians deserve more recognition than they generally receive.
Knowledge generates more knowledge and discoveries grow exponentially. This is precisely how we have come from living in caves to a space age society with instantaneous digital communication. Subtract teachers from this picture and progress would grind to a grating, painful halt.
And it’s difficult to be a teacher. I tried it, but I couldn’t do it. It takes a very special, dedicated, hard working, generous person to confront a room full of ignorance and fix it. I simply don’t have the patience, but my hat is off to those who do.
