Romantic Novel of the Year judges fall for shortlist of six
Michelle Pauli writing in guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 13 January 2009
Michelle Pauli writing in guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 13 January 2009
"She's not your average romantic heroine," admits Linda Gillard of the protagonist of her third novel, Star Gazing. In fact, she's about as far from the standard chick-lit heroine as she could be: Marianne Fraser is blind, middle-aged and widowed.
"I'm pleased to be able to give a different slant on the romantic heroine," says Gillard. "and the book confronts some difficult issues. While there is lots of comedy and lightness in the story, the fundamental thing is how to stop yourself becoming invisible because you're blind and bereaved and lonely. There is, of course, an unusual hero, too. The book is about different ways of seeing – the hero sees too much and the heroine doesn't see anything at all."
"I'm pleased to be able to give a different slant on the romantic heroine," says Gillard. "and the book confronts some difficult issues. While there is lots of comedy and lightness in the story, the fundamental thing is how to stop yourself becoming invisible because you're blind and bereaved and lonely. There is, of course, an unusual hero, too. The book is about different ways of seeing – the hero sees too much and the heroine doesn't see anything at all."
Star Gazing is one of six novels shortlisted this morning for the Romantic Novel of the Year award. The prize, now in its 49th year, aims to recognise excellence in romantic novels and enhance the status of the genre. Previous winners include Freya North, Rosie Thomas, Erica James, Katharine Davies, Jojo Moyes and Philippa Gregory.
Link here for the full list and story.
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