I do very much wish I had written to her. It was too late as Lawrence died in 2013. To do so and by the time the Silver List appeared and re-awakened my interest

Only wish I had written to her voicing my appreciation. Opening chapter of that particular book has stayed with me over the decades. Punches when dealing with subjects which morally affronted her, and the searing Until now, the only book of hers that I had read was Children of the Dust, with its powerfulĪnd terrifying depiction of nuclear war. See you soon! midnightisaplace delighted to find that Louise Lawrence’s Journey Through Landorwas amongst the books included on Hodder’sĮxcellent Silver List. And on Friday, we’re celebrating an exciting NEW Aiken publication from our friends at Virago. There’s too much to celebrate in one post, so we’ll be back tomorrow. Tempted? You can buy Midnight Is a Place here. TV series were working on set ideas, it turned out her dream was quite close toĪctual machinery used in the nineteenth century … Isn’t that the mark of an amazing mind? Imaginary carpet factory and giant press. Here’s another fun site where you can read about Midnight and Joan’s other work.Īnd here’s an interesting fact about the book: Joan said the inspiration emerged from a terrible dream about an We’re not alone in singing its praises: here’s a link to a perceptive and compelling review. We’re delighted to have Midnight Is a Place on our list, which we reissued for its 40th anniversary last year.įor us, it’s classic Aiken - frightening, thrilling and fast-paced. If you want to remind yourself for Joan’s formidable backlist, then visit the wonderful website created by Joan’s daughter Lizza. You’ll have your own favourites, as all fans do. Growing up, my favourite was The Shadow Guests, which I recently found in a second-hand bookstall, plus the Felix Brooke novels - start with Go Saddle the Sea, and her chilling short story collections, such as A Touch of Chill. Over a fifty-year career, Joan published dozens of brilliant books - including the legendary Dido Twite (or Wolves) sequence, beginning with The Wolves of Willoughby Chase and concluding with The Witch of Clatteringshaws. OK … it’s not till Friday (she would be 91, but she died in 2004), but we can’t wait till then to celebrate the birthday of one of our all-time favourite authors.Īnd there’s plenty to celebrate.

A Touch of Chill by Joan Aiken