"Laura Shepherd-Robinson discusses her latest bestseller, focusing on the often neglected 'intermediate' individuals"
In the captivating world of historical fiction, Laura Shepherd-Robinson's latest offering, "The Art of a Lie," transports readers to 1749 London during the Georgian era. This period serves as the backdrop for all of Shepherd-Robinson's books.
"The Art of a Lie" is a thrilling cat-and-mouse tale that delves into the lives of the "middling sort" of people in Georgian England, neither the poor nor the wealthy. The narrative centres around Hannah Cole, a widowed confectioner who battles societal prejudice and financial ruin after her husband's murder.
Hannah's shop is nestled on Piccadilly in St James', London, and in the story, she is introduced to a new craze by William Devereux - iced cream. Interestingly, Georgians were known to experiment with iced cream flavours long before Heston Blumenthal, with Parmesan and asparagus being among the unusual flavours popular during that time.
Shepherd-Robinson, who spent nearly 20 years in politics before becoming a novelist, draws inspiration from her experiences for her intricate and engaging characters. Her novels often feature individuals such as thieves, liars, and psychopaths, and she notes that even the "darkest villain" in a book or film justifies their actions to themselves.
Power is another fascinating element in Shepherd-Robinson's books, providing the necessary conflict that drives the narrative forward. This is evident in "The Art of a Lie," where Hannah and William, both morally flawed characters, navigate a web of deceit and intrigue.
Interestingly, if Shepherd-Robinson were in the Georgian era, she would carry foundation, a Kindle, and a pineapple in her handbag. Her husband, a frequent listener to her book-related thoughts and discussions, would likely find this amusing.
"The Art of a Lie" was released on 10 July and quickly became an instant Sunday Times bestseller. For those eager to delve further into Shepherd-Robinson's world, her novels provide a compelling exploration of the Georgian era, its society, and the intricate web of power and deception that underpins it.
For more insights into Shepherd-Robinson's work and the Georgian era, subscribe to the August 2025 issue of woman&home magazine for £6 for 6 issues.
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