For Books’ Sake Talks To: Lesley Pearse
Lesley Pearse is a best-selling author with an astonishing twenty published novels under her belt. Her latest offering, The Promise, set in First World War London, follows on from the best-selling, Belle.
Lesley’s pre-published life was a difficult one. From a turbulent and tragic childhood, to her wild years in sixties night clubs, to the breakdown of her third marriage, Lesley has plenty of unique experiences to draw from.
After establishing a successful career as a novelist Lesley founded the Lesley Pearse Women of Courage Award, to recognise the many women out there overcoming similar hardships in their own lives.
FBS: Congratulations on the publication of your twentieth novel, we are extremely impressed! The Promise follows on from your last book, Belle. Why did you decide to revisit these characters?
LP: Firstly because I loved the characters so much, especially Belle, and also because I have always wanted to do a book set in WWI.
FBS: The Promise sees Belle thrown from her comfort zone in to the dramatic life of a Red Cross ambulance driver in France during WWI. What research did you undertake to make sure that you wrote an accurate portrayal of this unique experience?
LP: I read dozens of books on the subject, both the war in general and about nurses and ambulance drivers. Some of the information I got was from diaries of nurses and other volunteers.
FBS: Your books are known for their strong female characters and extreme, often harrowing, circumstances. Did you set out to write this way, or did it come naturally?
LP: To be honest, I love writing about grim things, it’s in my nature I think. I certainly didn’t set out to do it, I just slip into it.
FBS: Childhood trauma is a recurring theme in your book, from abuse to adoption. Do you think writers of commercial fiction often shy away from this area? Did you ever worry that any of the traumatic events you wrote about might be too controversial?
LP: I don’t even consider that something might be controversial, I just write from the heart. Perhaps writers who have had cosy, secure childhoods would shy away from such subjects.
FBS: Even though some of your characters find themselves in some unimaginable circumstances, in the seediest, darkest corners of society, I often find the overwhelming message in your novels is one of hope. Is this the message you intend to put across, or am I just an optimist?
LP: I too am an optimist and I believe if I portray people rising above hideous circumstances it may inspire those going though bad times to feel there’s always a way out.
FBS: The biography on your website is almost an epic in itself. How did you find the strength to turn your own hardships in to inspiration and not let them overwhelm you?
LP: They do say that ‘What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.’ I am blessed with persistence and imagination, and it’s that which got me out of bad times.
FBS: Is it ever difficult to revisit the past experiences that you draw on for your work? Are there things that you could never bring yourself to write about?
LP: It can be very cathartic to revisit the sadder, hurtful parts of my life. Somehow once you write or talk about unpleasant things they hurt less. The only subjects I’m unlikely to ever write about, and have experienced myself, are debt and depression. The only reason for not writing about them is because they are not very uplifting.
FBS: Tell us about what inspired you to found the Lesley Pearse Women of Courage Award.
LP: Because I felt there were real women out there who had far more courage than any of my heroines. The quiet kind of courage and selflessness that just gets on with whatever life has thrown at them without expecting praise. Since I started the award I have been astounded by what some of the women who have been nominated have to deal with on a daily basis.
FBS: Your books are rarely formulaic and span many genres from crime to historical fiction. Which books and writers have influenced your work?
LP: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell was one big influence. Charles Dickens too.
FBS: What are you working on now? Do you have plans for a twenty-first novel?
LP: It’s a present day mystery/thriller. Can’t say any more at present.
If you’d like to get your hands on Lesley’s latest offering, The Promise was published by Michael Joseph in January and is available as a hardcover for £9.49.
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