Rachael King is an award-winning New Zealand writer and author of two books: Magpie Hall and The Sound of Butterflies. She talks here about Narnia as indeed a doorway and the movie that brought her near to tears…
Which book caused you to love reading?
The first books I remember reading are The Very Hungry Caterpillar and a Richard Scarry book. As far as I know I always loved reading, so perhaps we shall thank Messrs Scarry and Carle. But the first books I remember really losing myself in were the Narnia books by CS Lewis.
What are you currently reading & how did you come across the book?
I’m not currently reading any published book (shock! horror!). I’m reading work by students of the Hagley Writers’ Institute for which I am a supervisor/mentor-type person. My reading time is so limited at the moment with two small children and so I am being good and concentrating. I think my next read will be Sex and Stravinsky by Barbara Trapido. I have read all her books and was first introduced to her by my dear old dad. So a new book by her is a must.
What is the book you have re-read the most?
Probably the Narnia series as I read them again and again as a child and a few times as an adult. I don’t tend to re-read books as there are too many new ones to get through, although I’ve read a few of the classics twice (Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre for example), especially when I was researching Magpie Hall.
Favourite book to movie adaptation?
A Room With a View. I think I have seen that film about ten times and at one point was able to sit through it and just about recite the dialogue as it happened. (“This meat has surely been boiled, for stock. It’s lost all its flavour.) Atonement is a more recent favourite though. I thought they did a wonderful job, and I was on the verge of tears the whole time because I knew what was coming.
What books are next to your bed?
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce and The Borrowers by Mary Norton. I have a vague idea about writing a children’s novel next and when I have the time I thought I’d read some of the classics of the genre to inspire me. Bed used to be my favourite place for reading but now it’s a place where can’t keep my eyes open.
Favourite literary quote?
I don’t know. Off the top of my head:
“If Miss Honeychurch ever takes to live as she plays [the piano], it will be very exciting both for us and for her.”
I’m sure I’ll think of a dozen better ones tomorrow.
