Rutland author Gillian Twine publishes new novel Subjects

An author explores a mother’s quest for knowledge in her latest novel.

Gillian Twine’s new publication, Subjects, is based around ex-psychologist Sofia Gardner who is forced to acknowledge that her former A-grade brain has been reduced to nothing after 15 years of parenting.

Gillian, who lives in Essendine, said: “The novel is inspired by my complete admiration for people who excel at general knowledge. Those people who can – in addition to their day job - speak three languages, read Braille, tie knots, name all the capital cities of the world and change a tyre.

“I am not one of them. Through the character of Sofia, who finds her shiny academic CV fairly worthless as she tries to navigate her way through parenting three children, I explore what it might be like to get a more systematic grip on the world of general knowledge, and consider the value of academic study versus learning through experience.

“Subjects invites people to reflect on what they know, or think they know, what is worth remembering and what it might be better to forget.”

Gillian grew up in Northumberland and taught English in China, Poland and Peterborough before moving to Rutland with her husband and two sons.

Subjects is published by The Book Publishing Guild and available to buy online priced £9.99.