Amanda Brookfield was born in 1960 and educated at University College Oxford. Her passion for literature was fired by a sixth form love of E. M. Forster's Howard's End. She began her career in advertising and then worked as a freelance journalist in Argentina. Drawing on her own experience of being part of a large, close family, her novels tap into the tangled web of emotions, insecurities and passions familiar to us all. Emotionally intelligent, with a voice that is both poignant and perceptive, Amanda has written 15 novels of contemporary fiction and several short stories.

First book you remember reading?

The first book I remember reading and hating was‘Janet and John'which I thought was the most boring thing in the world. The first book I remember reading and loving was Dr Seuss’ ‘The Cat In The Hat’ which I loved and read hundreds of times.

What are you currently reading?

Sea Room by Adam Nicholson.

How do you decide on what book to read?

I am extremely careful and fussy about what I choose to read - life is short!  It will either be an excellent review, or a personal recommendation from someone whose opinion I value.

One book you regret having read?

The third in the Steig Larsson trilogy which I thought was over-written and with a plot that had got so convoluted I had stopped caring or concentrating on it!  I read to the end because I hate to give up on something I have started.

Who is your favourite author?

My favourite classic author is George Eliot. My current favourite living author is Elizabeth Strout.

Three newly published books you would recommend?

‘Irma Voth’ by Miriam Toews
‘The Burgess Boys’ by Elizabeth Strout
‘Transatlantic’ by Colum McCann

What is your absolute favourite non fiction book of all time ? And why?

‘Ex Libris’ by Anne Fadiman. It is an exquisite gem of a book of essays on books - keeping them, loving them, sharing them, writing them.  A must for all bibliophiles.

What is more important to you in a book, the writing the plot or the conclusion?

Plots are the hardest thing.  They are different from what the story is ‘about’ and where it ends, which for me remain the most rewarding part of being a writer. But plots are the nuts and bolts - without them you get nowhere!

If you do re-read books what book have you re-read more than others?

I rarely re-read books. Only a few treasured favourites qualify for such attention:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Howards End by E M Forster.  
Middlemarch by George Eliot

As a literary enthusiast what have you gained from the books you have read?

I have gained companionship, joy, wisdom and encouragement.

In your opinion the best movie adaptation of a book is?

The Merchant Ivory production of Howards End.

A character in a book you would like to bring back to life and why?

Aslan in C S Lewis’ Narnia series.  My heart broke when he died. (Though he sort of does come back to life!)

A memorable book from your childhod?

C S Lewis ‘The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe’. Such a powerful, page-turning book.

How would you encourage the younger generation to read?

By reading to them everyday. I read to my sons every night of their lives when they were young and they both enjoy books as adults.  I also think that it is important for children to see their parents getting pleasure out of reading - influencing by example!

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana