Get ready for another absolute cracker of an episode this week, because I had the total pleasure of chatting with the incredible Lucy Steeds! Now, if you've been anywhere near me in the last six months, I will have no doubt absolutely insisted that you must read Lucy's stunning novel, The Artist. I’m so in love with this book, its one of my top reads of the year and I really want you to pick it up too.

It was such a joy to chat to Lucy about the Artist, her inspiration and get some fascinating insight into her writing process as well as hearing about her Women’s Prize experience.

Of course as always, we also discussed the five books that have shaped Lucy’s life and what an interesting list it was. I was absolutely convinced she wouldn’t be able to tempt me on the poetry of John Donne but I’m weirdly quite tempted.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

A Room With A View by E.M. Forster

The Poems of John Donne

In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

Also mentioned in this episode:

Fates & Furies by Lauren Groff

Ways of Seeing by John Berger

Self-Portrait by Celia Paul

If you've enjoyed this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it, please, please do me a little favour! Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Best Book Forward – it makes the world of difference in helping more book lovers find our little corner of the podcast world. And the absolute best thing you could do? Tell a friend who you think would love Lucy's book or our chats! Until next time, happy reading!