Natasha Solomons
I’m a writer and I live with my husband, David, in a tumbledown cottage in rural Dorset. My first novel Mr Rosenblum’s List or Friendly Guidance for the Aspiring Englishman will be published by Sceptre in April 2010 in the UK and by Reagan Arthur Books for Little, Brown in the U.S. also in 2010. In the US it’s called Mr Rosenblum Dreams in English.
As well as novels, I write screenplays with husband and co-writer David, and I’m trying to finish a PhD on eighteenth-century poetry.
From the moment when the first daffodils appear, I can be found in the summerhouse at the bottom of the garden. It has no electricity and I listen to a wind-up radio for entertainment – but this is my favourite place to write. My closest neighbour is a rather bumptious pheasant who comes to sit on the step and check up on me.
Thanks for your message.
How interesting about your great-great uncle. Wasn’t Karl (Otto’s brother) the physicist; he who came up with the Schwarzchild radius, black holes, etc. ? Otto was the sensible one who went into banking, I believe. A very distinguished family anyway.
Talking of black holes, those are very large molehills in your photo. I suppose they must have been made by very large (giant mutant?) moles. I’d check under the bed, if I were you…
Seems that we linked up via Jane Smith’s excellent blog. Is that her real name, do you think? Or is she lurking ghost-like behind an assumed name, so as not to be sued by Sharon Osborne or someone?
You book sounds great. I have mentally reserved a copy and will check your site for updates.
All the best,
Philip
I’ve said I would, although exactly at what point in the cycle, I’m not sure. Sounds like it might be interesting, though – even if, inevitably, there will be a certain lack of candour!
Philip
Hello Natasha,
Just spotted your lovely photos of the Dorset bluebells from May 2009. This is one my favourite times in Dorset. Look forward to being back in the summer for long dog walks on Bulbarrow and the other stunning haunts.
Happy scribblings and have a wonderful spring.
James
Cheselbourne/Blandford/Shanghai
Thanks James — isn’t it lovely? I can hardly wait. The smell of a bluebell wood at dusk…
Hi Natasha,
I live near a small country town, Margaret River in Western Australia on a farm with my husband, 4 adult children and 4 grandchildren. I received your book for my 70th and loved it as did my husband and daughter. I have chosen it for our book club.
Do you have plans to come to Australia? Hope you do and come to Margaret River. We’d love to have you at our book club and we have a writers festival each May. There will always be a comfy bed.
Mr Rose-in-Bloom reminded my of my father inlaw who was short, jewish and changed his name to Lane and also loved golf.
Good luck with the next book,
Janny
This blog is a light in my life, thanks to you.
Dear Natasha,
I have just finished your fantastic book and I was so touched by the story, the fantasy and the characters. I found myself choking with tears while reading the last few chapters, so it took me a while to go through the last pages…
14 years ago I came to UK to get married to a very English gentleman and I have always, since then, been fascinated by the intense colours of the British personality. That wooly-pig and those aristocrats, aren’t they a big contradiction in a culture of good manners and reason? The wonderful sense of humour and the closeness to nature, the pretended coldness and the strong loyalty of friendships…
I confess that I am now as soft as clay in the hands of this country. Not sure where my Spanish heart has gone, but all my ups and downs whilst living among the British have found a very strong link with your book. And I just wanted you to know that I was very touched all the way, sometimes feeling like Sadie, sometimes like Jack… It is a fantastic book and I hope you keep on writting. You have a big Spanish fan now!
Love, love, love your book! I read two thirds on the flight back to Houston from Heathrow last week and finished off the rest last night. Please hurry and write another – I can’t wait. P.S. As an English person living in the US it amused (and did not surprise) me that Bobby Jones lacked the manners to write back to Jack. I’m married to a wonderful American man and love my life here but…there are certain things lacking! Do you think he would have responded via email had the Internet been available all those years ago? Thanks again for such a lovely read. You are a great writer – your Grandfather was right.
Thanks so much Vanessa! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book… and I hope your book group likes it too. I have to confess that I’m very fond of the US edition… I love the cover and none of the spellings etc have been changed.
Hi Patricia
(just realised I hadn’t replied, I’m so sorry!) Thanks so much for your gorgeous message. I’m sorry I made you cry… and I’m thrilled to have a Spanish fan (the book’s out in Spain too now).
x
Have nearly finished your wonderful book, I really want it to go on forever . Thank you for bringing back memories of a special time. I understand there is to be a film, have you any idea of when that might be? Best wishes, Helen
Thanks Helen… I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yes, Mr S and I are working on the screenplay at the moment. Movies always take a while though…
Just finished your book.
You have a great future, very sensitive and well written.
Marcel Ladenheim ( Holocaust survivor from France)
Hi, Natasha!
I just read your “Mr. Rosenblum’s List” and so be touched.
Little sad and warm and wonderful book.
Especially, your description of landscape of Pursebury Ash is wunderbar.
I feel your whole lotta love for Dorset.
(from Japan)
Dear Marcel,
I’m really touched that you enjoyed the book. It means a great deal to me. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
x
Thanks Reiko! So glad you enjoyed it… I love that Jack and Sadie have found their way to Japan.
xxx
I love reading books but rarely am I moved to want to contact the author (actually the only other time was when I read the book by John McCarthy and Jill Morrell about 20 years ago!)
I read your book only because my book club chose it – I am now ashamed to admit to you I would never have picked it myself but I’m so very glad I was wrong – I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it and I have cried – both over the story and the knowledge I was nearly finished.
Very few books weave a tale as beautifully as you – and also very few manage to end in such a wonderful, satisfying way.
So, thank you Ms Solomons, I am a new fan and I wish you continued success in your writing career and may it be a long one
Dear Natasha
Just to add my thanks for your wonderful book. I took it away with me this summer and couldn’t put it down…thankyou! Looking forward very much to the next one.
Best wishes
Christina
Magnificent book ! Bought it in Antwerp, Belgium, in English, and immediately read it from A-Z ! I have recommended it on my Facebook webpage !