Rooted Fiction

Is it just me, or do you sometimes feel both inspired by and envious of someone you admire? Author friend, C.F Dunn’s memorable strapline, ‘History, Mystery, Suspense,’ recently had me turning a distasteful shade of green, while whooping ‘Go Claire!’

The challenge was on! I had to come up with a 3-word catchphrase to encapsulate my writing. David and I scratched our heads for a few weeks, but with 2 children's stories, a timeslip novel and a collection of biblical reflections, my books proved too diverse to capture easily in a snappy phrase.

On a walk in our local snippet of Epping Forest, we were bouncing ideas around when we strolled past one of my favourite trees, its roots cascading down the bank towards a small lake. And there it was - Rooted Faith & Fiction! Thank you, David.

Faith & Fiction covers the range, while Rooted describes the ethos that connects them.

Now I’m finally coming to the ‘review.’ The novels I most enjoy are ones driven by characters who are both likeable and relatably flawed. I have little time for stories where I don't warm to any of the characters.

I've recently reread ‘The Last Runaway’ by a favourite author, Tracy Chevalier. It’s a fascinating historical novel in which young Honor Bright emigrates from the UK to the US in 1850, and becomes embroiled in helping runaway slaves, whatever the cost to herself or her companions. Honor is resourceful, enigmatic, courageous and deeply troubled. Once again, I found myself both envious and inspired. I and fellow members of a local library book club collectively gave ‘The Last Runaway’ a resounding 9 out of 10.

I've read all Chevalier's books and no two are alike, though her style is consistently satisfying. Equally satisfying is the ethos that pervades her novels – a high regard for human dignity and relationships, with all the complexity and moral dilemmas that must follow. Taking my hat off to her, I aspire to write stories rooted in such values.