Imagining alternate histories and fighting fascism through English literature with Jane Thynne

Jane Thynne was born in Venezuela and moved around the world with her parents and two brothers before settling in London. She is a journalist and writer who has published several historical fiction novels. Today, though, we are discussing her chilling new alternative history Widowland. Our interview starts at 19 minutes. Michelle recommendsThe Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson TaylorAn uplifting and joyful novel about a young woman in the 1960s finding her place in the worldCaitlin recommendsAcknowledgements by Becky LucasA brilliantly funny collection of essays from an Australian comedian thanking the people who have had big (and small) impacts on her life.*Note: Caitlin read a review copy of this novel through her position at Harper Collins Australia. Her job did not affect her decision to recommend this book.In this interview, we chat about: The elements of Nazi Germany that inspired Widowland and the real-life women referenced in the novelWhy Jane chose not to explicitly name Hitler in the novelThe fascination of imagining how we would react living in an oppressive tyrannical regimenHow one dinner party was the catalyst for Jane to write WidowlandHow Jane became fascinated by the 1930s and 40s and how it has influenced her writing careerFear and how it can be used to control a population (an technique used in the world of Widowland)Why Jane wanted to write this novel under a pseudonym, after publishing her historical fiction seriesBooks and other things mentionedLove Island UKWentworthGlow UpInterior Design MastersBrooklyn 99Girl Logic by Iliza ShlesingerNo Shame by Tom AllenWhat is Yorkshire Day? Read about it here!HeartbeatDay of the Jackal (movie)Follow Jane on Instagram @authorjanethynne.Follow us on Instagram @betterwordspodWidowland is available now. Michelle and Caitlin received PR copies of Widowland from Quercus UK. 

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