A Birmingham-based author will release her new book based on the story of Charles Dickens character Estella Havisham later this year.
Barbara Havelocke has penned Estella’s Revenge, a dark retelling of Great Expectations.
Though the work is Barbara’s first book in the gothic historical fiction genre, she has already published six psychological thrillers which have been number one bestsellers on Amazon and Kobo.
The author said: “I just wanted to do something different and this idea has been brewing for a while.
“Really, I’m wanting to fall in love with words again.”
Some of the writing and editing took place in her local bookstore – The Heath Bookshop in Kings Heath – a place she visited frequently during the two years she spent writing the book.
“It’s just such a lovely friendly place, it’s a really beautiful shop,” she said.
“I think being surrounded by books is always inspiring, there’s something almost magical about that atmosphere.”
The book follows the character of Estella Havisham from Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations.
Barbara admitted trying to avoid Great Expectations when studying it for her GCSEs, adding that it was only when she read it again for A-Level English that it clicked and she found herself drawn to Estella’s character.
“Estella’s an incredibly intelligent, articulate, determined woman. An absolutely fascinating character to write.
“She’s such an enigma and I think that’s one of the reasons why she’s such an enduring character because you know bits about her but you never really get to know her or her thinking apart from these tiny little glimpses.”
“It’s fascinating to be able to look back at all of these classics and really delve into these women.
“It’s not just about women though, it’s having a deeper psychological insight into all characters and what shapes them.”
An event to celebrate the release of Estella’s Revenge, a reading and question and answer session, is taking place at The Heath Bookshop on its publication date on 9th May.