explains. ‘The year was 1997 and nobody was interested in history. nobody. The publishers did not want to publish a historical crime novel.‘ Now. besides acting as the supervising editor of a series of translations of foreign crime fiction. he writes full time. But the former Japanologist has mixed feelings about his trip to lidinburgh: he is a fan of lan Rankin. who will be interviewing him for the Book Festival event. but is uncomfortable about speaking in front of an audience. 'I almost never do it in Russia.‘ he says. ‘l‘m not a very
public person for one thing and for another
thing I don't really believe in an author talking in front of audiences. because if an author can talk well then he should go into sliowbusiness.
An author should write. liverything that he or
she should say is in the text. I am very cttrious to meet Ian Rankin.‘ he conclttdes. his voice as
deadpan as ever. ‘and I hope he will do most of
the talking.‘
13 Aug, 6.30pm, £8 (£6).
unin: wants to meet Ian Rankin
Toy story
Fans of Thursday Next may have to wait a while but, as Allan Radcliffe finds, lovers of JASPER FFORDE’s playful fiction still have plenty to look forward to.
asper liforde is the era/ed genius behind one of the tnore unlikely literary success stories of recent years. The author has won a huge following and bestselling status on
both sides of the Atlantic as the creator of
Thursday Next. literary detective. whose investigations transport her from sleepy Swindon to a parallel universe peopled with iconic characters from literature known as
‘Book World. In T/It' lli’ll (If/xiv! Plots. for
instance. 'l'litir'stlzty"s guide and mentor is Miss l-lavisham from (ircut lirpcctutrons. while Something Rotten finds the plucky ‘tec exploring Hum/('1 and rubbing well-read shoulders with none other than the procrastinating Dane himself.
So popular is l‘forde‘s creation that September 2005 will mark the inaugural ‘l5forde l‘estivaf which includes a grand barbectte and gala dinner. as well as an open-topped guided bus tour of key Swindon locations mentioned in the series.
While the Book World juggernaut rolls on. its
creator is about to take a well—earned breather
from Thursday Next. lest reader or writer fatigue set in. This doesn‘t mean. however. that l‘forde will be resting on his literaty laurels. ()n the contrary. having spent ll years attempting unsuccessfully to get his fiction published. the fortner film focus-puller is determined to maintain his strong work ethic.
‘When I was first published I personally committed myself to a new book every year for ten years.‘ he says. ‘And -- publishers willing — this shall be so.‘
Thus. liforde is about to unleash his new ‘Nursery (‘rime‘ series on an eager public.
The Big ()l‘t’l' liusv is the first fictional outing for Detective Inspector Jack Spratt and Sergeant Mary Mary of Reading Police's Nursery (‘rime Division. an investigation into the brutal slaying of llumpty Dumpty.
While the new book marks a departure from l‘forde‘s familiar creation. it’s an idea that’s been around for some time.
“l'lu' Big ()l't’l' liusv was actually my first finished book. which was rejected for publication many times.‘ he says. ‘I think the idea came from seeing llttmpty in Lewis (‘arroll's 'l'ltt'oug/t I/I(' Looking (i/uss as a real person. and the events from an Agatha (‘hristie novel called xi Pocket/ill of'th' where several murders are committed with that theme.‘
With the prolific l‘forde already bashing ottt an investigation featuring (ioldilocks and the Three Bears. the Nursery (‘rime Division looks set to spawn some equally popular sequels. So. what next for Jack and Mary'.’ l)id Jill deliberately push Jack down the hill'.’
‘()f course she did.’ says l-‘forde. 'When she should have been calling the emergency services she was actually wrapping his head in vinegar and brown paper ~ clearly not the act of someone supposed to be a loving partner. More importantly. why was the well at the top of a hill‘."
This one could run and run. It looks like those left bereft by the temporary absence of liforde's popttlar heroine will have to wait a little longer than 'l'hursday next for her return. (irieve not. however. as the literary detective will be back in The (fruit Samuel Pepys l'iust'o in 2006.
15 Aug, 8.30pm, £8 (£6).
‘ ‘ ‘8 ,\..;_; .‘.‘. 1" THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 13