Ridley Road
My novel, Ridley Road, is set in the early sixties when a Jewish organisation, the 62 Group, was formed to confront the resurgence of fascism in London. The 62 Group organised themselves throughout the sixties, and beyond, to directly fight the fascists and grow their intelligence. Inspired by real events, I’ve written a love story set against this political background – which, sadly, seems as relevant today as it was then.
You were a book reviewer for Time Out- so how do you change your approach to your own work after doing this for a living?
I was only a freelance contributor but it was still an interesting experience. Articulating my thoughts about a book in print (sometimes by an author who I adored) forced me into being very clear and precise about what I felt did, or didn’t, work. I hope that I have continued to apply some of that critical thinking to my own writing.
You have worked in Prague and New York so what brought you back to Brighton?
I loved living abroad but I wanted to do an MA in London and ended up staying on. After a few years I got frustrated with all the travel between home and work - time I felt would be better spent writing. So I opted for Brighton. It’s small, easy to get round, close to London and most importantly, there is the sea. I love living by the coast.
Please tell us a about your research process into the book.
I was very lucky that a family friend is a researcher/journalist who’d worked very closely with the 62 Group. He provided me with terrific background information. I also interviewed people, went through newspaper and photo archives, and watched films from that time. I was surprised how much I loved the research stage. Probably because it’s also a form of procrastination!
This is your debut novel- so how have you found the process?
A rollercoaster! Obviously, the writing stage has its ups and downs, but the period after I was lucky enough to find a publisher was also fraught with both anxieties and excitement (mostly excitement). But I feel very fortunate to hold a (beautiful) hardback copy of Ridley Road and know that my novel has been published.
Please tell us about the character of Vivien Epstein.
Vivien is a twenty-year-old Jewish hairdresser from Manchester who bravely comes to London after her father dies to find herself, search for a new job and look for a man she’d fallen in love with. We see Vivien negotiate London and quickly realise that although she’s warm and compassionate, she also has a quiet feistiness and inner strength, because back then it was quite unusual for women to embark on a new adventure on their own.
What appealed to you about the sixties more than any other era?
I particularly loved writing about Soho. It wasn’t quite the swinging sixties (that comes a little later) but it was exciting to write about music and fashion on the cusp of change.
What is next for you?
I’m writing my next novel which is set in the 1950s…