GCSE syllabus author speaks to pupils
In the first part of her talk she discussed how an author researches and develops a historical novel like ‘The Siege’ and explained why in her view historical fiction is so important as a way of understanding the present.
“She used, as an example, the feelings many Russians have about the ‘Great Patriotic War’ and how understanding these helps us to understand what is happening in Russia today.
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Hide AdHelen Dunmore then took a series of questions from the floor. She had already emphasised that once a book is created it ‘belongs’ to the readers, and that pupils should feel confident and determined to read the book and to respond to it in their own way.
To the pleasure of their English teachers, who share the same philosophy, the pupils showed in their fresh and interesting questions, that this particular book now belonged to them.
Report and picture contributed by Christ’s Hospital.