LITERARY LIFE A look at what’s new in the Sussex book world Books editor: Angela Wintle

THE BURNING CHAMBERS by Kate Mosse

(Mantle, £20) Crafer Ruth : Photo

hichester’s Kate Mosse must be among the most successful authors C ever to have emerged from Sussex, and heaven knows, there have been many. Since Labyrinth, the first in her Languedoc trilogy, hit the shelves in 2005, her novels have sold more than five million copies in 38 languages. Now, after a brief foray into short stories and gothic crime – with The Taxidermist’s Daughter which was based in Fishbourne in West Sussex – Mosse has produced the first heavyweight tome of what is sure to be another bestselling epic historical fiction trilogy. The Burning Chambers is set in the south of France, firstly in Carcassonne (where Mosse has a second home), then Toulouse and Puivert, a remote village fiefdom. It is 1562 and the Wars of Religion are raging, as Catholics and Huguenots vie to defend their faith. Catholic Minou Joubert is 19 and trying to keep her father’s Epic return bookshop open after he returns from a business trip ill and strangely disinterested. Minou Kate Mosse brings 16th-century France vividly receives an anonymous cryptic to life with a gripping story of love and betrayal, message: “She knows that you live”, bearing an unknown but conspiracies and divided loyalties, reveals Anne Hill distinctive family crest. Soon afterwards, she meets Piet Reydon, a young Huguenot, who is falsely accused of a crime and needs help to escape the city. enemies are not always who they strands into a recognisable ABOVE: From that moment seem to be. whole, although some of the Chichester author Kate Mosse Minou’s life takes a There’s much to enjoy links strain credibility further turn which will bring in this novel, from the than others and not everyone her to the heart of vivid historical setting will appreciate the large cast of the war in Toulouse to the trademark characters, even with the handy and on to greater feisty female leads. In checklist provided. danger as Piet’s secret particular, watch out Nevertheless, Mosse fans will mission and her own for a surprise killer blow no doubt devour every word. And unsuspected destiny from a most unexpected a prologue set in 1862 South converge at Puivert. source – a marvellous Africa hints at the sweeping Along the way the touch reminiscent of panorama to come as the series brave pair experience Georgette Heyer. continues, leading from this tale love, loyalty and Mosse has a knack of 16th-century France through betrayal, as family, friends and of knitting complex narrative 300 years of history.

74  Sussex Life: October 2018 My Life in Books MUST-READS RUTH OUR CHOICE OF THE BEST NEW SUSSEX NON-FICTION FIGGEST

UP THE DOWNS! by Jack Arscott (Pomegranate Press, £7.99) There are some folk for whom the very idea of running up and down chalk cliffs wearing shorts and a vest or hurtling over downland trails avoiding cowpats and brambles is a thing to be avoided at all costs. This is not a book for them. LRPS Thomas Nicky Photo: It is a touch specialist, although recent attendance at marathons and Park Runs indicates a larger market than Ruth Figgest is a novelist and short might be guessed at. This is for athletes who like to connect story writer based in Eastbourne. with nature in general and the South Downs in particular, She has had several short stories and they exist in growing numbers. shortlisted for literary awards; Jack Arscott’s book radiates energy and enthusiasm in another, The Coffin Gate, was equal measure. He offers helpful running tips, local histories broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Her debut and atmospheric photographs. He also writes in glowing novel, Magnetism, about a complex terms of famous runs he has tackled and lists those he mother and daughter relationship, hasn’t – yet. I’ll look forward to seeing him at the Beachy is out now (Myriad, £8.99). Head start in October. Louise Dumas The book I loved as a child My copy of Ant and Bee and the Rainbow by Angela Banner has my name written inside the cover in childish handwriting. It’s a very happy RYE EAST early-reading story about friendship HISTORY SUSSEX and adventure that teaches children TOUR SMUGGLERS’ about colours and life. Isn’t violet a by Alan Dickinson PUBS wonderful word? (Amberley Publishing, by Terry The book that inspired me as a £7.99) Townsend teenager This new study is a (Halsgrove, £9.99) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings pocket-sized version Readers of Terry is the first of what became a seven- of an earlier work in Townsend’s many volume autobiographical work by Amberley Publishing’s books on East Sussex Maya Angelou. The accurate detail in Through Time series which presents historic smugglers’ pubs might wonder what other the imagery evokes place perfectly. and current images together to allow an sort there are. It seems that most inns were Her authentic voice and use of exploration of continuity and change. commandeered by the ‘gentlemen’ in the language expertly illicit emotion in an Readers will note that in Rye’s case, 17th and 18th centuries when export duties understated fashion. architecture changes much less than fashion threatened farmers and import duties were The book I’ve never finished and transport. New material takes the reader levied on tobacco, silk, brandy and tea. Donna Tartt’s The Little Friend. through the town in three circular tours Inns were a natural place to meet and an I very much enjoyed her two other examining the commercial centre, hill-top obvious store for contraband. They also novels though, The Secret History castle surrounds and port. served as a recruitment centre, distribution and The Goldfinch. One photograph shows an archaeological depot and valued customer. The book that moved me most society visit in 1901. Rye has always attracted Legends and characters became as Up A Road Slowly by Irene Hunt. It particular interest for its enduring charm, numerous as hidden tunnels, and Townsend encouraged me to love books and period architecture and literary and historical has enormous fun digging them out in this taught me that life might be OK. I think connections. The fact that these survive is amply illustrated study. I read it when I was about 12. It explores due to its geographical location (Rye is at the Many a modern landlord is pictured happily loss, mental health problems and confluence of three rivers), planning controls, pulling pints, perhaps unaware of the secret alcoholism. I remember one section in economic decline and, in some sense, the history beneath his feet or possibly engaged which the complex emotions attached meticulous documentation of writers such as in some future legerdemain which tomorrow’s to children being cruel to each other Alan Dickinson. historians will have as much fun as the author felt particularly authentic. It made me Louise Dumas in uncovering. feel less alone. Louise Dumas The book I’m reading now The Namesake by Jhumpha Lahiri is amazing. The writing is flawless and the story engaging and moving. It was recommended to me via Twitter by someone who enjoyed my writing, and I’m very grateful to have had the recommendation. Contact: [email protected] / 01903 703762

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