Anne Fine's seventh novel for adults, Fly in the Ointment, was published on 24 March. In this, she offers a deeply chilling portrayal of what can happen when the remorseless convictions of society clash with the impulse of a determined mother.
In an introduction written for this website, Anne explains “All my novels begin with the question ‘What if...?’ I might not be like Lois, the mother in my story, but I can certainly imagine myself going through her thought processes all the way along.
“I wanted to make the book entirely credible psychologically, and a page turner. The most powerful drives and feelings are always those within the family. It is a crucible for love and hate. The family's endless refractions, both positive and painful, have always been my own home ground as a writer.”
Ivan the Terrible has won the silver medal in the 2007 Nestlé Children's Book awards, in the 6-8 years old category. The judges said "This is an extremely entertaining read, told with Anne Fine's usual concise wit; revealing, in the end, a thought-provoking message."
The prize was previously known as the Smarties Award. Anne won it in 1990 for Bill's New Frock, and Goggle-Eyes was shortlisted also in 1990.
Once a book's published and up on the shelf, the author's finished her job. Right?
Not always. Over a dozen of Anne's books for young children have just been reprinted in lovely bright new editions, and she's been astonished at the sorts of changes she suddenly decided she wanted to make.
And now she has written two articles explaining the changes. One, originally published in a slightly different form in The Times, is aimed at adult readers. The other, available only on this website, is for younger readers.
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