Historian and author Kate Williams discussed her latest book, The Pleasures of Men, with journalist Suzi Feay at Foyles bookshop on Thursday 16th February 2012. This book sees Kate – whose previous works include biographies of Emma Hamilton and the young Queen Victoria - venture into new territory, historical fiction.
Kate Williams (photo by S. Klinge)
Kate spoke about her time living in Paris, doing research for an upcoming book on Josephine Bonaparte during the day, and wandering dark, deserted and unfamiliar streets at night. The overwhelming feelings of confusion, loneliness, and fear that she experienced on those Parisian streets inspired the story of The Pleasures of Men, which is set in Victorian London. The novel’s young heroine, Catherine Sorgeuil of Spitalfields, becomes fascinated by a terrifying serial killer, The Man of Crows, and her life becomes dangerously intertwined with his.
We had the chance to speak with Kate following the event, and I am pleased to report that, after a period of “development hell” and budget readjustments, the project to bring Kate’s highly-recommended Emma Hamilton biography to the big screen is still on course, with Hayley Atwell looking certain to play the role of Emma. We took the opportunity to get a signed copy of England’s Mistress, and I’ve added the racy, heart-stopping The Pleasures of Men to my reading list.
For upcoming events at Foyles, click here.
Posted on February 17, 2012
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