In a revealing literary interview, journalist and author Tanya Sweeney opens up about the books that have shaped her reading life, from contemporary page-turners to childhood favourites and academic struggles.
Current Unputdownable Read
Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino is the novel currently captivating Tanya Sweeney. She describes it as "fairly unputdownable" and expresses particular admiration for its "unhinged, flawed anti-heroine who'll stop at nothing to get what she wants." This character archetype clearly resonates with Sweeney, who notes that the main protagonist in her own novel shares similar traits.
The story follows thirtysomething Margo, who believes her life will truly begin once she purchases her dream home. However, her plans encounter significant obstacles. Not only is the Washington DC property market overheated, but Margo's previous attempt to befriend the owners of one ideal property ended disastrously. Sweeney praises the book as "pacey and fresh," calling it "the best kind of cringe-LOL read."
Desert Island Essential
When asked what book she would take to a desert island, Sweeney selects The Girls by Lori Lansens, a novel she believes deserves wider recognition. "So few people are familiar with The Girls by Lori Lansens, but it's one of my favourites," she reveals.
The narrative centres on Ruby and Rose, conjoined twins who are cherished members of their rural Canadian community. Their lives are thrown into turmoil when one sister receives a terminal diagnosis, while the other feels compelled to confront a dark chapter from their past. Sweeney's connection to this book is profound: "I read this book every couple of years." She also pays tribute to author Judy Blume, describing her as "one of the greatest writers of all time" for her ability to create relatable characters.
Childhood Reading Inspiration
Sweeney credits Judy Blume with first igniting her passion for reading. "Judy Blume was everything to me growing up," she confesses, identifying Deenie as the book that "really stole my heart." Although published in 1973, before Sweeney was born, she found herself deeply connecting with thirteen-year-old Deenie's experiences.
The protagonist dreams of becoming a model—a aspiration Sweeney admits she didn't share—but her ambitions are derailed when she's diagnosed with scoliosis and must wear a full body brace to school. Sweeney traces Deenie's emotional journey "from agonising self-consciousness and teenage insecurity to self-acceptance and inner peace," noting she related strongly to the former stages. Reflecting on Blume's enduring impact, Sweeney asserts: "Though she wrote these books decades ago, Blume really is the greatest of all time."
The Literary Challenge
Not every reading experience has been positive for Sweeney. She admits that her English literature degree involved "an awful lot of mandatory reading of things I would not have normally elected to read." The standout struggle was The Canterbury Tales.
"I struggled desperately with The Canterbury Tales," she recalls. "I really had to just get to the end of it, without even knowing what it was about. I still don't, even though I wrote an exam paper on it." While she occasionally entertains "idle thoughts of returning to it," she concludes with a resigned "perhaps not."
Tanya Sweeney's own novel, Esther Is Now Following You (published by Transworld, priced at £16.99), is scheduled for release on January 29 and will be available through the Mail Bookshop.
