Sabine Durrant's Current Reading and Literary Insights
In a recent interview, acclaimed writer and journalist Sabine Durrant opened up about her reading habits, offering a glimpse into the books that shape her world. She is currently engrossed in The Rest Of Our Lives by Ben Markovits, a novel she describes as both humorous and wise. The story follows a father who, after dropping his daughter at college, chooses to keep driving rather than return home to his wife. Durrant praises its exploration of marriage, family, and aging, noting the perfect unreliable narrator that leaves her uncertain about the protagonist's ultimate destination, both geographically and emotionally.
Desert Island Book Selection
When asked what book she would take to a desert island, Durrant provided a thoughtful response. For comfort, she typically turns to Georgette Heyer's Black Sheep or early works by Jilly Cooper, such as Octavia. However, considering the potential length of her stay, she opts for Charles Dickens' Our Mutual Friend. She highlights its Thames setting, thrilling plot, and the dark villain Bradley Headstone, a schoolmaster consumed by jealousy, making it an ideal choice for both entertainment and practical use, like squashing mosquitoes.
Childhood Reading Influences
Durrant credits Enid Blyton with sparking her lifelong love of reading. As the only child of a single parent, she often spent holidays with her grandparents, where enforced rest periods led her to discover a bookshelf in their spare room. Starting with H. E. Bates' The Feast Of July due to its bright cover, she then found a series of beige hardbacks, beginning with The Castle Of Adventure by Enid Blyton. This discovery introduced her to a world of intrigue and friendship, leading to further series like The Famous Five and Malory Towers, and eventually authors such as Agatha Christie and P. G. Wodehouse. She reflects that this literary journey ensured her childhood was never lonely or dull.
A Book That Left Her Cold
Despite recommendations from many, Durrant expresses disappointment with Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. She describes it as pretentious and overwritten twaddle, noting her tendency to be skeptical of books that gain widespread popularity. This candid opinion underscores her discerning taste in literature.
In related news, Sabine Durrant's latest novel, Dead Heat, published by Century and priced at £12.99, is set for release on March 12 and will be available from the Mail Bookshop.
