HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Hello from the other side (of the Atlantic Ocean)! No, not the singing Adele--hello to the writing Adele!
And we are so delighted to host Adele Parks today. Reds and readers, she is one of my very favorite authors, and an absolute household name in the UK. If you haven't read Adele Parks, oooh, well, honestly, lucky you. You have such a treat in store!
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I dare you to pick up an Adele Parks book and put it down anytime soon after. They are the books that you open in a bookstore, just to give it a try, and half an hour later, you have not moved from the spot.
Irresistible plots. Relatable characters. Immersive settings. Jaw dropping twists and gorgeous writing and remarkable quality.
Her newest, FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW— which just came out this!–is about a woman haunted by the thought of her new partner’s perfect dead wife. (The dead wife, savvy readers and DuMaurier fans will note, is named Becky. )
Fun facts: in 2022 Adele was awarded an MBE – – a British order of chivalry – – by his Majesty King Charles III for services to literature. More than 5 million English editions of her works have been sold, and I hesitate to include that number since it’s going up every minute. Yep, I just looked at another biography and it was up to 5.5 million. She’s an ambassador to the National Literary Trust and The Reading Agency, to charities that promote literacy in the UK. Plus, she’s hilarious and marvelous and adorable and genius in every way. And wears trainers with ball gowns. Just saying.
So delighted to introduce you to this marvelous and generous author--and get to hear all about her new book and her writing!
AND--lucky you--I'll give a copy of her new book to one lucky commenter!
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HANK: Your newest (and wonderful) book is FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW. Was that always the title?
ADELE: At one point it was called FIRST WIFE’S GHOST. We (my publishing team and I) decided to change the title because we didn’t want people to think it was a ghost story. It’s not. It’s a psychological thriller about how our biggest fears are the things that can haunt us. In this case the protagonist is haunted by the thought of her new partner’s perfect dead wife.
HANK: What was the core idea for this novel—a plot point? a theme?—and where did it come from?
ADELE: The theme of being jealous of something someone else has or had, leading to total obsession about that person’s world and identity, is key to the novel. I don’t want to say too much at the risk of spoilers, but I look at how it’s possible to be jealous of what someone has financially or emotionally.
HANK: Writer question: At what point did you come up with the final version of the first line? What is it?
‘The Body was pinned up against the tree. Dead. Obviously dead. No RIP here.’
I knew from very early on that I wanted the book to start with death and violence so from the beginning the reader has questions. Who is that dead person? Who is responsible for their death? What are the consequences? The first line came to me quite early in my process, I don’t think I ever had another first line.
HANK: And 385 pages later…did you know the ending of the book when you started?
ADELE: Broadly speaking yes. I knew the biggest twist (although that doesn’t come at the end it comes halfway through) and I knew the resolve. As I write psychological thrillers, the structure of the novel depends on compelling and convincing reveals, wily twists and surprising turns. I find that I write those most convincingly if I know how my books are going to end. I was once advised that every word works harder if you know where the narrative is heading. I think that’s true.
HANK: Every word works harder if you know where you are going! That makes so much sense. (And is so alluring to a poor pantser like me.) What’s something in this book that you’ve never done before?
ADELE: The mid-point twist is (I hope!) jaw-dropping.
HANK: And trust me, Reds and readers, more we cannot say! Adele, What part of your tour (or launch week) are you most excited about?
ADELE: Often in my launch week I do events and meet readers. I absolutely love connecting with readers. There is simply nothing more rewarding than hearing that something I created has entertained, provided distraction, offered solace or caused a moment of pause.
.jpg)
I dare you to pick up an Adele Parks book and put it down anytime soon after. They are the books that you open in a bookstore, just to give it a try, and half an hour later, you have not moved from the spot.
Irresistible plots. Relatable characters. Immersive settings. Jaw dropping twists and gorgeous writing and remarkable quality.
Her newest, FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW— which just came out this!–is about a woman haunted by the thought of her new partner’s perfect dead wife. (The dead wife, savvy readers and DuMaurier fans will note, is named Becky. )
Fun facts: in 2022 Adele was awarded an MBE – – a British order of chivalry – – by his Majesty King Charles III for services to literature. More than 5 million English editions of her works have been sold, and I hesitate to include that number since it’s going up every minute. Yep, I just looked at another biography and it was up to 5.5 million. She’s an ambassador to the National Literary Trust and The Reading Agency, to charities that promote literacy in the UK. Plus, she’s hilarious and marvelous and adorable and genius in every way. And wears trainers with ball gowns. Just saying.
So delighted to introduce you to this marvelous and generous author--and get to hear all about her new book and her writing!
AND--lucky you--I'll give a copy of her new book to one lucky commenter!
.jpg)
HANK: Your newest (and wonderful) book is FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW. Was that always the title?
ADELE: At one point it was called FIRST WIFE’S GHOST. We (my publishing team and I) decided to change the title because we didn’t want people to think it was a ghost story. It’s not. It’s a psychological thriller about how our biggest fears are the things that can haunt us. In this case the protagonist is haunted by the thought of her new partner’s perfect dead wife.
HANK: What was the core idea for this novel—a plot point? a theme?—and where did it come from?
ADELE: The theme of being jealous of something someone else has or had, leading to total obsession about that person’s world and identity, is key to the novel. I don’t want to say too much at the risk of spoilers, but I look at how it’s possible to be jealous of what someone has financially or emotionally.
Jealousy is such a waste of feeling; it’s irrational, exhausting, negative and self-reductive, yet so many suffer from it. I thought that was a great theme to investigate. It allowed me to look at emotional stability, gaslighting and greed. However, I don’t have a bleak view of the world (even though I write dark psychological thrillers) so other themes in this book are the power of forgiveness, the concept of family and the importance of inner strength.
HANK: The main character of your book is named Emma. Why?
ADELE: When I pick a name, I first check that it was a popular and viable name for the age and geography of the character, but I also imbue it with a deeper significance. Emma is a solid reliable name. No one can dislike an Emma! My character is a hardworking, disciplined, clever woman. I think the name fits. Her adversary is her new partner’s dead wife, Becky. That name was chosen as a nod to Daphne Du Maurier, Rebecca. The classic story about living in the shadow of an ex.
HANK: Ah, absolutely! And so creepy, to have a dead adversary, right? At the start of the book, what’s the character’s goal?
Emma is a single woman, the CEO of a renewable energy company. She lives in an incredible, modern glass house in a forest. She’s very sorted, sane and wealthy. Her life is extremely structured and her strongest characteristic is her discipline.
HANK: The main character of your book is named Emma. Why?
ADELE: When I pick a name, I first check that it was a popular and viable name for the age and geography of the character, but I also imbue it with a deeper significance. Emma is a solid reliable name. No one can dislike an Emma! My character is a hardworking, disciplined, clever woman. I think the name fits. Her adversary is her new partner’s dead wife, Becky. That name was chosen as a nod to Daphne Du Maurier, Rebecca. The classic story about living in the shadow of an ex.
HANK: Ah, absolutely! And so creepy, to have a dead adversary, right? At the start of the book, what’s the character’s goal?
Emma is a single woman, the CEO of a renewable energy company. She lives in an incredible, modern glass house in a forest. She’s very sorted, sane and wealthy. Her life is extremely structured and her strongest characteristic is her discipline.
Why is she so disciplined? Well, she had a tragic and chaotic childhood. Her father was an alcoholic and whilst driving under the influence, he killed himself and Emma’s mother, leaving Emma and her brother as young orphans. Emma’s self-reliance is a reaction to that catastrophe and turmoil. She professes to be completely self-contained, satisfied and not in need of anything or anyone.
Her goal is to continue as she is. She avoids relationships because they are unpredictable but the reader will instantly wonder if there is an emotional gap in her life and whether she secretly or subconsciously yearns for a deep relationship.
Her goal is to continue as she is. She avoids relationships because they are unpredictable but the reader will instantly wonder if there is an emotional gap in her life and whether she secretly or subconsciously yearns for a deep relationship.
HANK: Writer question: At what point did you come up with the final version of the first line? What is it?
‘The Body was pinned up against the tree. Dead. Obviously dead. No RIP here.’
I knew from very early on that I wanted the book to start with death and violence so from the beginning the reader has questions. Who is that dead person? Who is responsible for their death? What are the consequences? The first line came to me quite early in my process, I don’t think I ever had another first line.
HANK: And 385 pages later…did you know the ending of the book when you started?
ADELE: Broadly speaking yes. I knew the biggest twist (although that doesn’t come at the end it comes halfway through) and I knew the resolve. As I write psychological thrillers, the structure of the novel depends on compelling and convincing reveals, wily twists and surprising turns. I find that I write those most convincingly if I know how my books are going to end. I was once advised that every word works harder if you know where the narrative is heading. I think that’s true.
HANK: Every word works harder if you know where you are going! That makes so much sense. (And is so alluring to a poor pantser like me.) What’s something in this book that you’ve never done before?
ADELE: The mid-point twist is (I hope!) jaw-dropping.
HANK: And trust me, Reds and readers, more we cannot say! Adele, What part of your tour (or launch week) are you most excited about?
ADELE: Often in my launch week I do events and meet readers. I absolutely love connecting with readers. There is simply nothing more rewarding than hearing that something I created has entertained, provided distraction, offered solace or caused a moment of pause.
I love it when readers are dizzy with excitement and want to talk about my characters, the plot twists or where they were when they first read my work. So in launch week I get most excited about hearing the first reactions to my new novel.
HANK: Who in your #writingcommunity deserves a special shout-out for supporting you in writing this story? Why?
ADELE: Does my husband count as #writingcommunity?
HANK: Well, of course!
ADELE: His support throughout my writing process is invaluable. He looks after me in a practical way, ensuring I eat and sleep as I head towards a deadline, but he also looks after me on an intellectual and emotional level. He’s happy to listen to plot lines, research findings and he’s my first reader. I suppose I could do it without him, I just don’t ever want to.
HANK: People say “the ending of a book sells the next one.” How do you want readers to feel when they finish FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW?
ADELE: Satisfied. I guess I want them to feel the urge to rush out and find someone else who has read it because they are keen to chat, that or rush out to buy my back list. Either thing would show I’ve done my job of entertaining.
HANK : What did you learn from this book? About writing, or life, or the writing life?
I learnt to trust myself. I’ve been a published novelist for 24 years, and this is the 24th novel I’ve written in that time. There have been times over those years when I’ve doubted my ability to finish a book. I used to panic that I’d run out of ideas, that I’d deliver something sub-par, or that I’d miss a deadline.
As a result I’ve often put myself under extreme pressure; working around the clock, cancelling social engagements and even sacrificing my health. However, experience has shown that I do get the book finished and I don’t run out of ideas, I’ve never missed a deadline and I think this book might be my best yet, I’m getting better at my craft, no signs of losing my edge yet. It’s taken a long time but I finally believe I know what I’m doing!
HANK: Hurray! And we can attest to that. Reds and readers, I know you will love Adele Parks as much as I do–and cannot wait for you to read her books!
So you see this newest one is a bit of an homage to Rebecca. Have you read Rebecca? Or seen the movie? What do you remember about it? How did it affect you?
And one super-lucky commenter chosen at random will win FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW!
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FIRST WIFE'S SHADOW
HANK: Who in your #writingcommunity deserves a special shout-out for supporting you in writing this story? Why?
ADELE: Does my husband count as #writingcommunity?
HANK: Well, of course!
ADELE: His support throughout my writing process is invaluable. He looks after me in a practical way, ensuring I eat and sleep as I head towards a deadline, but he also looks after me on an intellectual and emotional level. He’s happy to listen to plot lines, research findings and he’s my first reader. I suppose I could do it without him, I just don’t ever want to.
HANK: People say “the ending of a book sells the next one.” How do you want readers to feel when they finish FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW?
ADELE: Satisfied. I guess I want them to feel the urge to rush out and find someone else who has read it because they are keen to chat, that or rush out to buy my back list. Either thing would show I’ve done my job of entertaining.
HANK : What did you learn from this book? About writing, or life, or the writing life?
I learnt to trust myself. I’ve been a published novelist for 24 years, and this is the 24th novel I’ve written in that time. There have been times over those years when I’ve doubted my ability to finish a book. I used to panic that I’d run out of ideas, that I’d deliver something sub-par, or that I’d miss a deadline.
As a result I’ve often put myself under extreme pressure; working around the clock, cancelling social engagements and even sacrificing my health. However, experience has shown that I do get the book finished and I don’t run out of ideas, I’ve never missed a deadline and I think this book might be my best yet, I’m getting better at my craft, no signs of losing my edge yet. It’s taken a long time but I finally believe I know what I’m doing!
HANK: Hurray! And we can attest to that. Reds and readers, I know you will love Adele Parks as much as I do–and cannot wait for you to read her books!
So you see this newest one is a bit of an homage to Rebecca. Have you read Rebecca? Or seen the movie? What do you remember about it? How did it affect you?
And one super-lucky commenter chosen at random will win FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW!
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FIRST WIFE'S SHADOW
“Adele just gets better and better and First Wife’s Shadow had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. The twists and the tension-building were spellbinding and masterfully done. A true five-star read.” —Lisa Jewell, New York Times bestselling author of None of This is True
HIS FIRST WIFE DIED. NOW THERE'S A VACANCY…
When Emma meets Matthew, a kind, handsome widower, he seems to be just what she needs.
Yet as their relationship moves fast, Emma’s friends worry she might be exploited. She’s a rich woman after all.
Emma doesn’t care Matthew has no money. But as the memory of his perfect first wife hangs over them, Emma does have one tiny doubt.
If Matthew’s wife hadn’t died, he wouldn’t be with her. And Emma wonders if she’s second best. Can she ever fill the dead woman’s shoes?
As jealousy and suspicion blossom between Emma and Matthew, events take a darker, dangerous turn.
Suddenly Emma doesn’t know who she can trust. Her friends? Her husband? Or even herself…?
Adele Parks was born in Teesside, North East England. Her first novel, Playing Away, was published in 2000, and since then she's had seventeen international bestsellers, translated into twenty-six languages. She's been an ambassador for The Reading Agency and a judge for the Costa Book Awards, and is a keen supporter of The National Literary Trust. She's lived in Italy, Botswana and London and is now settled in Guildford, Surrey, with her husband, son and cat.
HIS FIRST WIFE DIED. NOW THERE'S A VACANCY…
When Emma meets Matthew, a kind, handsome widower, he seems to be just what she needs.
Yet as their relationship moves fast, Emma’s friends worry she might be exploited. She’s a rich woman after all.
Emma doesn’t care Matthew has no money. But as the memory of his perfect first wife hangs over them, Emma does have one tiny doubt.
If Matthew’s wife hadn’t died, he wouldn’t be with her. And Emma wonders if she’s second best. Can she ever fill the dead woman’s shoes?
As jealousy and suspicion blossom between Emma and Matthew, events take a darker, dangerous turn.
Suddenly Emma doesn’t know who she can trust. Her friends? Her husband? Or even herself…?
Adele Parks was born in Teesside, North East England. Her first novel, Playing Away, was published in 2000, and since then she's had seventeen international bestsellers, translated into twenty-six languages. She's been an ambassador for The Reading Agency and a judge for the Costa Book Awards, and is a keen supporter of The National Literary Trust. She's lived in Italy, Botswana and London and is now settled in Guildford, Surrey, with her husband, son and cat.
Congratulations on your newest book, Adele . . . from what you've told us, it sounds absolutely captivating and I am definitely looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a nod to Daphne Du Maurier for Rebecca!
Yes so agree! A story that connects us all. Xx
DeleteJoan i am thrilled you think so! I hope you get a chance to read and let me know what you think!
DeleteCongratulations on your book release, Adele! The book sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteYou will love it, Dru!
DeleteThanks Dru, so grateful to Hank for drawing your attention to it!
DeleteCongratulations on your new book’s publication, Adele! It definitely sounds like an intriguing read.
ReplyDeleteYes, I read Rebecca. I was in high school, I believe, and loved it. (My mom introduced me to DuMaurier and Edna Ferber books when I was in my early teens.) I remember the scary housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers and the ending. I am pretty sure I never saw the movie. — Pat Sellers
Oh, so agree. Mrs. Danvers absolutely became iconic!
DeleteI look forward to hearing if you enjoy First Wife's Shadow.
DeleteCongratulations on your new book, Adele! I love that you have shades of Rebecca in this story.
ReplyDeleteI read Rebecca when I was very young, probably still a teen and recall being drawn in to the mystery and suspense. Recently, I read it again after reading an essay by James Ziskin about what a "bad boyfriend " her husband was. Hm-m, I thought. It's time to see what I missed 60 years ago. Even knowing the ending, I was still drawn in.
In your book, Becky is already a successful business woman, thriving on her own. I wonder how much of Rebecca's shadow is over your book.
Oh, I think that is so wise! I had a really good book is always different when we read it and a different time in our lives, right?
DeleteI always think a book is unfinished untoil a reader reads it and then they bring their own experiences to it. It stands to reason that a book 'finishes' differently depending on when we read it. I hope you love First Wife's Shadow
DeleteSo many congratulations, Adele! The story sounds perfectly compelling.
ReplyDeleteLike Judy, I read Rebecca so long ago I barely remember it. It's time for a re-read - but should I read your new book first or Rebecca?
Oh, it will be interesting to see what she says! But I don’t think you need to reread Rebecca for this, not at all.
DeleteWell, I'm bound to say read mine first...! :-)
DeleteI’ve never read Rebecca or seen the film. Will my reading of First Wife’s Shadow be “less than” without having that background knowledge?
ReplyDeleteOh, not at all! Knowing Rebecca makes it fun, but it is not necessary to the story or two understanding, and you will never ever feel that there is something you are missing. It absolutely stands on its own.
DeleteNot in the slightest! Rebecca was a spring board. The question I asked myself was 'What is it like to be the wife of a widower?' That's the aspect that echoes Rebecca but the story is completely standalone.
DeleteWelcome Adele and thanks for the great interview. I loved this line: Every word works harder if you know where you are going! Thanks for that and I'm going off to look at my manuscript with that in mind...
ReplyDeleteOh, I so agree! It would show you exactly what flabby unnecessary lines to delete, wouldn’t it?
DeleteI'm really glad you enjoyed the interview! I'm currently writing book number 26 and trying to follow my own advice!
DeleteWelcome, Adele! I've actually been under a "First Wife's Shadow", having married a young widower whose first wife died tragically, just a couple months into their marriage. My mother-in-law, who had not particularly liked #1 when she was alive, brought her up constantly as a paragon of all things, for years. Until I finally asked my husband, who disagreed with her about it, to please ask her to stop. Nothing as dramatic as Rebecca/Becky, but supremely annoying, and a bit insulting.
ReplyDeleteI've read Rebecca a couple times, and there's a very good Netflix film with Lily James as Mrs. deWinter, if anyone wants to refresh their memory. Kristin Scott Thomas and Armie Hammer are Mrs. Danvers and Maxim. It differs a bit from the book, as I recall, but not a lot, and the cinematography is lush.
And regarding Hank's comments, I am a newbie with your books, so am really looking forward to diving in!
Oh, that is so chilling, Karen, and must have been so difficult to deal with. Well, you will really identify with “Rebecca” – – since you are the second Mrs. DeWinter!
DeleteDo you think it would be delicious fun to read Adele’s books, or too strange?
DeleteWell, #1 died in 1976. And we've now been married for 43 years. It would be just fine, and it sounds like a really good read.
DeleteOkay...good to hear. xooo ANd yes, you are right!
DeleteI'm so glad to hear of your husband's loyalty and good sense when talking to your mother-in-law (even if he had to be nudged!). It's strange how tricky people can make second chances, instead of celebrating them as the blessing they most certainly are. I look forward to your thoughts on First Wife's Shadow. Very best wishes.
DeleteI've never read or seen Rebecca. We covered a lot of the classics in my school days but that wasn't one of them. First Wife's Shadow still sounds intriguing though!
ReplyDeleteOh, you don’t need to have read Rebecca at all, this book perfectly stands on its own!
DeleteTerrific interview! Thanks Adele, Thanks Hank! Sounds like a blockbuster.
ReplyDeleteI remember trying to read Rebecca when I was maybe 12 years old and could not stick with it. I think I'm ready to go back to it now.
It will be so fascinating to hear what you think now!
DeleteI'm really hoping my book is one people can absolutely stick with! I do hear you re classics though, I think we tend to introduce them to children before we should and they become a chore to a young reader, not the joy we hope them to be.
DeleteCongratulations Adele! I will certainly look for your books. I confess to never reading or seeing Rebecca, although I know it's iconic.
ReplyDeleteIt’s just such a brilliant psychological section about the power of what we believe to be true.
DeleteThank you Gillian for looking out for my books. I'm excited to hear what you think of First Wife's Shadow.
DeleteI can't remember if I've ever read Rebecca, but I seemed to have absorbed knowledge of the story over time. Congratulations on your 24th book--and thanks for a great interview, Hank and Adele! Adele, I love how you've overcome your fears about your work--how you've come to trust yourself!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a life-changing moment! Something to be devoutly desired :-)
DeleteFinally! Although I think a wobble is still very natural. No one likes a big head!
DeleteThanks for the great interview Hank, and Adele, thank you for the reminder that we need to know the end—I mean really have a handle on it, to move smoothly through the book and tie all the characters and plot twists together. I'm off to write in my notebook now! Joyce W.
ReplyDeleteWe all do it our own way, but Adele’s way is so powerful!
DeleteI'm so pleased you can find something useful in my techniques, but honestly there are many ways to tackle novel writing. Whatever works!
DeleteWhether reading Rebecca when I was in my teens or seeing the movies in their various iterations, I confess to having never understood Rebecca. Daphne du Maurier puts me into a kind of trance of disbelief and fear whenever I dip into her books again, so that any clues whiz by me as my heart rate quickens. Adele, I look forward to First Wife's Shadow.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fascinating reaction! Psychological suspense affects us all differently…Xxx so great to see you here today!
DeleteI feel like a lucky reader because I have never had the joy of reading one of Adele’s books, and our library has copies available, so my first one is on hold! Twists are so exciting! Congratulations on the publication of your 24th novel!
ReplyDeleteOh, that’s fantastic! So pleased to hear that… And let us know what you think!
DeleteThis is wonderful to hear! Thank you for your on-going support!
DeleteCongratulations, Adele. The book sounds great. I love your take on jealousy - that it's a waste of feeling. Very true and yet who isn't teased by the green-eyed monster occasionally?
ReplyDeleteOh, and Hank - remember your comment on an earlier blog about the planting seasons moving up? It snowed this morning in SW Pennsylvania. Despite being 70 degrees last week. No planting yet!
Oh my goodness Liz, that is so weird! And it is 38° here in Boston. In april! Bizarre!
DeleteAnd the cool thing about Rebecca, one of them, is how the jealousy is about something completely manipulative and gaslighted.
Why do they say “green eyed monster? As a child, I met those who were jealous of others had icy cold blue eyes.
DeleteAnonymous, I honestly don't know. But I frequently hear green associated with jealousy. Lorrie Morgan has a line in her song "Something in Red" - "Jealousy comes in the color of jade."
DeleteIt might be from Othello--let me look.
DeleteYes! I know my being a Shakespeare major would come in handy. The web says: Shakespeare originally used the phrase "green-eyed jealousy" in his play, The Merchant of Venice in 1596. He then went on to use the term the "green-eyed monster" in his play, Othello in 1604, alluding to his original use but personifying it as jealousy, this time, as the green-eyed monster.
DeleteAnd The Bard provides us with yet another commonly-used phrase. As an English major, I feel I should have known that.
DeleteYes, jealousy is something we all suffer from, even though we ought to be evolved past it! Human frailty and all that!
DeleteCongrats Adele! I am looking forward to reading your book. I am glad you've given a nod to Rebecca by du Maurier. I think it is one of the greatest mystery books of all time. The ending was truly unexpected. But all throughout the story you think you know what's going on and around every turn the reader is truly surprised.
ReplyDeleteSO agree! ANd reading it again, and knowing, it's STILL wonderful in a different way.
DeleteIt's a great novel! I should add my ending is very different, in fact my middle is. It was simply a 'jump off point'. I really hope you enjoy First Wife's Shadow. Do let me know.
DeleteOh this book sounds like just the thing to curl up with, as winter in Toronto (and elsewhere) just won't release its grip. Must look for more of Adele's books, too.
ReplyDeleteRead Rebecca? Over and over.
Seen the films adaptations? 3.5 of them. 1940: excellent production, but cop out ending. And (sorry) Olivier gives his usual stone-faced delivery. 1979, with Joanna David, Jeremy Brett and Anna Massey: The best. No contest. 1997 with Emilia Fox and Charles Dance and Diana Rigg: One viewing was enough. The latest: Dire. I shut it down partway through.
Sorry, I got carried away there. Time to dig out the 1979 for a rewatch.
I'll have to find the 1979 version. The original version will be at our gorgeous Library of Congress audio visual conservation theater at the end of the month. I'll sit down and tell myself to pay attention.
DeleteSusan, you didn't enjoy the Netflix version? I did think it started slowly, but Lily James got her feet under her role eventually.
DeleteThat'll be fun to watch-- the Rebecca film festival! The 1940 version is the one in my imagination when I think of Rebecca. And oh, I forget the cop out ending..
DeleteI love this level of expertise! Wonderful!
DeleteHANK: Yay! Thank you for introducing us to a new author - Adele Parks.
ReplyDeleteADELE: Welcome to JRW! And congratulations on your new novel FIRST WIFE'S SHADOW. Your quote "Jealousy is a waste of feeling" resonated with me very well. I struggled to understand why someone would be jealous of someone else. I suspect there are issues under the surface, which are not as obvious as Jealousy.
The name Emma reminded me of Jane Austen's Emma the matchmaker.
Naming the first wife Becky is quite the homage to Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. I have seen the movie with Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier. That movie was very confusing for me because we never see Rebecca in the story. Though some people tell stories about Rebecca in the story, we never meet her or see her in person.
Yes, isn't that the amazing part? Just the portrait, is that right? SO fabulous.
DeletePlease don't shun me, I've never read Rebecca and I don't remember seeing the movie. I might have but I don't remember, even after reading a brief synopsis.
ReplyDeleteHurray--now you can have the fun of reading it!
DeleteNo shunning on any level for reading or not reading any novel! That's a rule. None of us can read everything that's published! Our choices should be individual and fun. All that said, I'd be delighted to hear you picked mine to read ;-)
DeleteGrateful (I think) for your help in keeping Mt. TBR at an impossible height. I've requested the ebook from the library. Super-grateful to the library for helping me afford my reading habit. -- Storyteller Mary
ReplyDeleteHA! We are certainly all in the same boat. xxx
DeleteLibraries are so wonderful!
DeleteHow I would love to win this book. It sounds so gripping, especially with a mid-book plot twist. I've seen the movie Rebecca and read the novel many times. But ... we are in Portugal. Luckily I can order First Wife's Shadow through Amazon.es . Best wishes to Adele and all the organizations she is part of.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, so much fun to think of you reading it in beautiful Portugal!
DeleteThank you for your wonderful support and kind words for the Reading Agency and The National Literacy Trust, that both spread the joy of reading.
DeleteDenise Terry here. A new to me author with years of writing to offer! I am digging in. This book sounds so amazing I want to jump right in. Ok to start reading this author with her newest book?
ReplyDeleteHi, Denise! Welcome! xx Yes, absolutely, this is a standalone. xxx
DeleteI love Adele’s books! They are all fantastic! I’m so excited to read the new one! I haven’t read Rebecca yet, but I’ve been meaning to! Reading the blog made me more excited to read Adele’s new book!
ReplyDeleteOh, so wonderful to meet a sister fan! And so great to see you here, Shanson! xx
DeleteThank you so much Shannon, I hope you love it!
DeleteYes, I read Rebecca multiple times when I was younger, although my favorite DDMs were Frenchman’s Creek and The Birds. But “Last night, I dreamt I went to Manderley again” is a pretty memorable opening line. I enjoyed her Vanishing Cornwall when I went there 2 years ago.
ReplyDeleteSaw the 1940s movie, seems like I need to find the 1979 version.
It is, indeed! It truly makes you need to read on to find out what happened.
DeleteI've never seen The Birds or Frenchman's Creek.
DeleteOh, Adele, you must see The Birds. I want to watch it with you!
DeleteHi from NC! Always on the lookout for a new (to me) author! And I’m destined to read this book as my son was stationed in Botswana a few years ago and I believe in these glimmers of connections!
ReplyDeleteThat is so fascinating! ANd I agree about connections!
DeleteOh my goodness, yes! My two years in Botswana were fascinating. I hope your son had a wonderful and fulfilling time there. It's a beautiful country.
DeleteCongratulations on your new book! What an honor is must be to have been awarded an MBE!
ReplyDeleteCan you even imagine??
DeleteIt really was! And a complete surprise. When I first received the email telling me I had received it, I deleated it as I thought it was spam! I nearly missed out. Luckily the palace were persistent and called my agent.
DeleteThat just makes it all the better, Adele! So wonderfully hilarious…
DeleteGood afternoon, Congratulations on your new Release Adele! Wow, your book sounds and looks very intriguing!! Thank you for the chance. Alicia Haney. aliciabhaney(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
ReplyDeleteWelcome Alicia! SO great to see you here!
DeleteThank you! I hope you get a chance to read it and enjoy!
DeleteThank you for introducing us to Adele! I loved the book Rebecca, and the old movie with Laurence Olivier. Such atmosphere! It has to be hard to compete with the dead first wife whom you perceive to be perfect. I can understand Emma's need to always be in control and I can't wait to read First Wife's Shadow!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! (and yes, such a haunting movie...)
DeleteHello Pat, thank you for your interest in First Wife's Shadow. I look forward to hearing what you think of it, if you get the chance to read it.
DeleteSo glad to become aware of another amazing British author. I love British authors, British settings, and twists. You check all the boxes, Adele. I do have one question. Where in the Great Britain abundance of great settings, does your new book take place? Where is this forest that such exudes mystery and mayhem?
ReplyDeleteAs for Rebecca. Yes, I've read it multiple times, and it's one of those books that just becomes a part of my definition as a reader.
Oh, that is such a great question! We'll see what Adele says...
DeleteHi Kathy! Setting is so important in this novel. Emma's beautiful home is in Hampshire ( a stunning county in the south of England but commutable to London). It's very green, lots of dark forests...We also visit London and even Scotland.
DeleteAlthough I have not read Rebecca, in 2022 I did read Adele's "Woman Last Seen" and was deeply enthralled by the story. I will certainly put "First Wife's Shadow" on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteYay! SO great to see you Alice! A sister Adele fan! Yes, Woman Last Seen was so clever.
DeleteHi Alicia (by the way, stunning name!). Thank you for reading Woman Last Seen. I look forward to hearing what you think of First Wife's Shadow, if you get the chance to read it.
DeleteCongratulations! Your novels are captivating. Rebecca is my favorite novel. I read it many years ago and was entranced with the writing, story, era and characters. I think of it though the years and appreciated the memorable and unforgettable story.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to hear! And so agree … xxx
DeleteThank you for your interest in First Wife's Shadow and lovely words
DeleteWow! Wow! Hank, this is such a wonderful interview to let know a new to me amazing author Adele Parks! The book cover and title have already got me hooked!! Yay, an addition to my TBR!
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't read or seen Rebecca - I'll definitely check it out!
Thank you for this insightful interview, Hank.
Emily! So wonderful to see you—-and thank you so much for the kind words! Xxxxx
DeleteHow absolutely wnderful! Thank you so much I look forward to hearing what you think of it! I'm absolutely thillled you have found me through Hank's wondeful interview!
DeleteShe is a new author to me. Thanks for the chance to win her book!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you've found me through Hank.
DeleteMe too!
DeleteI’ll be jealous of whoever wins a copy😜
ReplyDelete