Thrice Interview: GILT
Hi! Today we’re celebrating the release of Katherine Longshore’s fabulous debut, GILT!
The synopsis: When Kitty Tylney’s best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII’s heart and brings Kitty to court, she’s thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat’s shadow, Kitty’s now caught between two men–the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat’s meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.
My take: A tale of intrigue at the court of Henry VIII and Catherine Howard, told by her best friend Kitty Tilney. I am generally fascinated by the poor doomed wives of Henry VIII, and I recommend this to all my friends who love Philippa Gregory’s THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL. There’s a bit of romance here, but the story really focuses on the friendship between Catherine and the childhood friends who are her saviors and saboteurs. I felt for Kitty and her steadfast loyalty, even when Cat doesn’t deserve it. If you know your history, reading about the poor young queen’s missteps and bad choices is like watching a frothy horror movie, all “No! Don’t do it!” And there’s a helpful author’s note to determine the fact from the fiction. Highly recommend!
On to the interview!
1. Describe your main character in 3 adjectives + a noun.
Kitty is an undervalued and loyal but misguided friend.
(Jess’s note: So undervalued! So loyal! I just wanted to shake Cat!)
2. Describe your book in 3 adjectives + a noun.
GILT is a complicated, passionate, historical narrative.
3. Describe yourself in 3 adjectives + a noun.
I am a pragmatic, cautious and wholehearted romantic.
4. If you could travel to any 3 countries, what would they be?
Nepal, Zimbabwe and Italy.
5. If you could take any 3 non-writing-related classes, what would they be?
Psychology, ceramics and art history.
6. If you could have 3 alternate careers, what would they be?
Travel writer, chocolate taster or a docent at a National Trust property in England.
(Jess: I would also like to be a chocolate taster, please!)
7. What are 3 of your favorite flowers?
Daffodil, pansy, forget-me-not.
8. What are 3 of your favorite foods?
Chocolate, chili and artichokes.
9. What are 3 of your favorite books?
WOLF HALL by Hilary Mantel, THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH by Norton Juster and A ROOM WITH A VIEW by E.M. Forster.
Yay! Thanks so much for stopping by, Katy, and happy book birthday!
Readers, stay tuned for another interview tomorrow, to celebrate THE ROCK OF IVANORE!
