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The Truth About Lisa Jewell
* For those aspiring authors who are interested in the path to success *
'I read this yesterday in one glorious sitting! What an
absolute treat of a book!'
Lesley Kara
'
Illuminating, revealing and absolutely fascinating , Will Brooker offers us the keys to the Jewell kingdom.'
Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin aka Sam Blake
__________
Have you ever thought about what it takes to become a bestselling writer?
If so, The Truth About Lisa Jewell is the book for you. It is the story of how a novel is written, from before the start to after the finish; it's an in-depth analysis of how that novel fits into a bestselling author like Lisa Jewell's career and her previous work, and what her style shares with authors from James Joyce to Martin Amis.
But this is more than just a study of an author at the top of her game. Like Lisa Jewell's much-loved novels, it's also the story of a relationship - between the bestselling author and the professor of cultural studies who has made her his muse - evolving slowly as the world comes gradually out of Covid. It's the story of two very different writers getting to know each other gradually through words; two complete strangers becoming something more like friends.
A must-have for fans of Lisa Jewell, for aspiring authors who are interested in the path to success - and a testament to the way books can bring us together. . .
__________
Readers LOVE The Truth About Lisa Jewell . . .
***** 'This book is perfect for fans and aspiring writers alike ... It's faultless to the point that I'd say it's a must read for anyone interested in Lisa Jewell or her work.'
***** 'An insightful and well written book.'
***** 'Brooker ... succeeds in being a great guide to [Lisa Jewell's] progression.'
- GenresWriting
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2022
6 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Will Brooker
27 books13 followersDr. Will Brooker is a writer and academic, Professor of Film and Cultural Studies at Kingston University, England, and an author of several books of cultural studies dealing with elements of modern pop culture and fandom, including Batman, Star Wars and Alice in Wonderland
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 5, 2022
Unique insight into an enduringly popular author that is effortless and fascinating to read
I’ll start this review by saying that I’m not a big non-fiction reader these days. However, I have previously been a huge consumer of biographies. Therefore, the prospect of reading The Truth About Lisa Jewell was too attractive to resist. Whilst not biographical in a traditional sense (don’t expect a linear history of her life so far!), this book does build a captivating glimpse into Lisa Jewell the human being, as well as the best-selling, fantastically gifted writer. Through analysis of her writing process (specifically penning The Family Remains), as well as an academic appreciation for her full back catalogue of novels, Brooker paints a vivid and enthralling portrait of a hard-working, down to earth writer who just happens to be exceptional in her field. However, as we learn more about Jewell, this exception has come to fruition through grit, graft and a distinctive lack of ego. Lisa Jewell comes across as a gifted writer, but she’s also a fully rounded human being who is so much more than the polished, public image that accompanies the finished novel that is inevitably adored by millions of readers. There’s a vulnerability to her, an uncomplicated sense that she genuinely feels the fear of disappointing her readers and a radiant, immediately likeable personality that transcends the pages of this book.
I’m lucky enough to have spoken to Lisa virtually myself via an Instagram Live chat (which I was thrilled to see mentioned in passing within the pages of this work!) and many, many social media comments! I was even lucky enough to read a few chapters of The Family Remains whilst it was still a work in progress (although, not quite as early as Brooker!). As Brooker attests, Lisa is a genuine and generous person, who interacts with her fans and readers diligently. I therefore felt I was privy to a decent amount of information on her writing process before reading this book. However, Brooker really gets to the heart of how Lisa develops ideas, characters, plots and prose. I was absolutely fascinated with the level of detail brought to life and I felt like I was experiencing this entire period along with them both. Brooker’s writing is effortlessly accessible (even when academic) and I whizzed through this book in a couple of sittings. It reads like watching a documentary and I could very easily have pictured it as a television series.
Whilst Brooker delves deeply into who Lisa Jewell is as a writer and an individual, at the core of the book is the development of her 20th novel: what was to become The Family Remains. I started this book immediately after finishing reading my advance copy of this sequel to The Family Upstairs. I loved the novel and as always, was absolutely blown away by the complexity of the plot and the depth of the characters. It was therefore incredibly riveting to read how challenging it was for the book to reach this final state. My mind is always blown when I read one of Lisa’s books with the knowledge that she does not plan them. I have never been able to fathom how she stitches her ideas together so delicately, whilst also ensuring the bindings are so tightly woven that the unfolding events don’t simply fall apart. Brooker’s insight into the birth and ongoing nurturing of The Family Remains goes a long way to provide precious acuity into a master’s process. However, perhaps even more interesting is the depth of understanding Brooker gains for Lisa’s style. I have always loved the humanity of characters within her books and the refreshingly three dimensional nature of them. As Brooker intuits too, character is the most important aspect of Lisa’s books and she always delivers fully-rounded and plausible human beings within her stories. No-one is ever really fully bad or fully good, as is the case in real life. It’s partly this ability to write such realistic characters that makes her books so readable. I loved taking this tour through the writing of The Family Remains and as Brooker comes to writing about reading the end of it, I was so pleased to find that he had taken away the a lot of the same meanings and emotions that I felt too. Clearly a sign that Lisa knows how to deliver!
This book is perfect for fans and aspiring writers alike. It’s an exquisite blend of organic writing advice, an insight into an incredible life and career, the blossoming of a real-life friendship on the page, a memoir of an unprecedented time in both the subject’s and wider society’s lives and a beguiling analysis of a body of literature. It’s faultless to the point that I’d say it’s a must read for anyone interested in Lisa Jewell or her work. It’s also made me want to read all of the books from her back catalogue that I haven’t yet!
(One little bit of advice: there are a few sections in this book that obviously reveal parts of The Family Remains. Whilst there aren’t any proper spoilers, you may wish to read that first before diving into this book. I found this book complemented my reading of The Family Remains so much, but I’m glad I’d finished the novel beforehand.)
I’ll start this review by saying that I’m not a big non-fiction reader these days. However, I have previously been a huge consumer of biographies. Therefore, the prospect of reading The Truth About Lisa Jewell was too attractive to resist. Whilst not biographical in a traditional sense (don’t expect a linear history of her life so far!), this book does build a captivating glimpse into Lisa Jewell the human being, as well as the best-selling, fantastically gifted writer. Through analysis of her writing process (specifically penning The Family Remains), as well as an academic appreciation for her full back catalogue of novels, Brooker paints a vivid and enthralling portrait of a hard-working, down to earth writer who just happens to be exceptional in her field. However, as we learn more about Jewell, this exception has come to fruition through grit, graft and a distinctive lack of ego. Lisa Jewell comes across as a gifted writer, but she’s also a fully rounded human being who is so much more than the polished, public image that accompanies the finished novel that is inevitably adored by millions of readers. There’s a vulnerability to her, an uncomplicated sense that she genuinely feels the fear of disappointing her readers and a radiant, immediately likeable personality that transcends the pages of this book.
I’m lucky enough to have spoken to Lisa virtually myself via an Instagram Live chat (which I was thrilled to see mentioned in passing within the pages of this work!) and many, many social media comments! I was even lucky enough to read a few chapters of The Family Remains whilst it was still a work in progress (although, not quite as early as Brooker!). As Brooker attests, Lisa is a genuine and generous person, who interacts with her fans and readers diligently. I therefore felt I was privy to a decent amount of information on her writing process before reading this book. However, Brooker really gets to the heart of how Lisa develops ideas, characters, plots and prose. I was absolutely fascinated with the level of detail brought to life and I felt like I was experiencing this entire period along with them both. Brooker’s writing is effortlessly accessible (even when academic) and I whizzed through this book in a couple of sittings. It reads like watching a documentary and I could very easily have pictured it as a television series.
Whilst Brooker delves deeply into who Lisa Jewell is as a writer and an individual, at the core of the book is the development of her 20th novel: what was to become The Family Remains. I started this book immediately after finishing reading my advance copy of this sequel to The Family Upstairs. I loved the novel and as always, was absolutely blown away by the complexity of the plot and the depth of the characters. It was therefore incredibly riveting to read how challenging it was for the book to reach this final state. My mind is always blown when I read one of Lisa’s books with the knowledge that she does not plan them. I have never been able to fathom how she stitches her ideas together so delicately, whilst also ensuring the bindings are so tightly woven that the unfolding events don’t simply fall apart. Brooker’s insight into the birth and ongoing nurturing of The Family Remains goes a long way to provide precious acuity into a master’s process. However, perhaps even more interesting is the depth of understanding Brooker gains for Lisa’s style. I have always loved the humanity of characters within her books and the refreshingly three dimensional nature of them. As Brooker intuits too, character is the most important aspect of Lisa’s books and she always delivers fully-rounded and plausible human beings within her stories. No-one is ever really fully bad or fully good, as is the case in real life. It’s partly this ability to write such realistic characters that makes her books so readable. I loved taking this tour through the writing of The Family Remains and as Brooker comes to writing about reading the end of it, I was so pleased to find that he had taken away the a lot of the same meanings and emotions that I felt too. Clearly a sign that Lisa knows how to deliver!
This book is perfect for fans and aspiring writers alike. It’s an exquisite blend of organic writing advice, an insight into an incredible life and career, the blossoming of a real-life friendship on the page, a memoir of an unprecedented time in both the subject’s and wider society’s lives and a beguiling analysis of a body of literature. It’s faultless to the point that I’d say it’s a must read for anyone interested in Lisa Jewell or her work. It’s also made me want to read all of the books from her back catalogue that I haven’t yet!
(One little bit of advice: there are a few sections in this book that obviously reveal parts of The Family Remains. Whilst there aren’t any proper spoilers, you may wish to read that first before diving into this book. I found this book complemented my reading of The Family Remains so much, but I’m glad I’d finished the novel beforehand.)
June 23, 2022
There was nothing about this book that I did not love. A fascinating insight into the creative process generally, and also into the minds of two very different people. Can't wait for what comes next.
February 2, 2025
An interesting read if you are, as I am, a fan of bestselling novelist Lisa Jewell, and/or if you enjoy reading about other writers’ processes.
July 1, 2022
Interesting to see how other authors go about crafting a novel - a little indulgent at times on the part of the author and narrator, but an interesting read.
July 3, 2022
I'm not really a non fiction fan but when I saw there was a book about the legend that is Lisa Jewell there was no question that I would be reading it.
Lisa is up there on my list of favourite and auto buy authors and this book gives an incredible look at behind the scenes of Lisa's writing life and processes.
Did you know Lisa doesn't plan her novels? I didn't actually know this before reading and was a bit blown away by the fact that her incredible stories are quite literally made up as she goes along. As someone who is making an attempt to write a book I've definitely done more planning than writing so far and I'm not sure I could cope with trying it the other way 😂
Will Brooker has done a fantastic job of painting us a picture of Lisa's writing history including excerpts of her back catalogue which really makes me want to read all of them all over again and specifically looks at the writing of Lisa's most recent book, The Family Remains, which is due for release on 21st July. Be warned it does give some information away about The Family Remains so bare that in mind.
As well as the fascinating writing angle we also get to explore the relationship that builds between Lisa and Will as they go through the process of zoom interviews, face to face meetings and bringing the book to life.
This is a must read for any Lisa Jewell fan, any aspiring writers out there or in fact anyone that is interested in the process that goes on behind the finished book.
An easy 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
Lisa is up there on my list of favourite and auto buy authors and this book gives an incredible look at behind the scenes of Lisa's writing life and processes.
Did you know Lisa doesn't plan her novels? I didn't actually know this before reading and was a bit blown away by the fact that her incredible stories are quite literally made up as she goes along. As someone who is making an attempt to write a book I've definitely done more planning than writing so far and I'm not sure I could cope with trying it the other way 😂
Will Brooker has done a fantastic job of painting us a picture of Lisa's writing history including excerpts of her back catalogue which really makes me want to read all of them all over again and specifically looks at the writing of Lisa's most recent book, The Family Remains, which is due for release on 21st July. Be warned it does give some information away about The Family Remains so bare that in mind.
As well as the fascinating writing angle we also get to explore the relationship that builds between Lisa and Will as they go through the process of zoom interviews, face to face meetings and bringing the book to life.
This is a must read for any Lisa Jewell fan, any aspiring writers out there or in fact anyone that is interested in the process that goes on behind the finished book.
An easy 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
June 16, 2022
What a great book. I've loved Lisa's books from the very first and this was such an interesting read into how she views herself as an author, how she gears up to write and most importantly, how she produces such amazing books every single time.
It is the perfect balance from Will Brooker between fly on the wall, burgeoning friendship and overview of her considerable output and its links and similarities with her contemporaries - some of the comparisons are pleasantly surprising. An insightful and well written book, I have no doubt, it will sit on many a bookshelf next to Stephen King's On Writing. Bravo!
It is the perfect balance from Will Brooker between fly on the wall, burgeoning friendship and overview of her considerable output and its links and similarities with her contemporaries - some of the comparisons are pleasantly surprising. An insightful and well written book, I have no doubt, it will sit on many a bookshelf next to Stephen King's On Writing. Bravo!
August 25, 2022
I am a big Lisa Jewell fan, although not as fanatical as the author, and it was interesting to learn more about her process. In particular, I was surprised that she doesn't plot her books in advance and I will remember her advice about sending cupcakes to your editor and other members of the publishing team if I ever find myself in this enviable position! What worked less well, was the author's apparent desire to insert himself into Lisa Jewell's life and to claim credit for influencing her most recent book. This came across as self-indulgent and a little bit stalkerish (which, in fairness, he admitted himself.) Towards the end, he asks Lisa if she considers herself to be the modern successor to Ruth Rendall/Barbara Vine. She said that she does and I would agree. Although it feels like a stretch when Will Brooker compares her prose to James Joyce, she is undoubtedly one of the best writers in a genre that is desperately lacking good writers. Hopefully, this book will help to inspire more!
July 7, 2022
It did not live up to my expectations. It seems like the author was trying to make a name for himself and earn some extra cash. Money and privilege is a big theme in this book. Sour grapes?!
May 22, 2022
Review coming soon.
July 31, 2024
A book about someone shadowing the day to day life of a bestselling thriller novelist? YES. PLEASE. When I heard about this book I knew instantly that I had to get my hands on it. Lisa Jewell has become known as The Queen of Crime Fiction and I was lucky enough the have the pleasure of meeting her at a recent book event along with Gillian McAllister (pretty much the highlight of 2024.... sorry to my unborn son due in September or my upcoming marriage in October! But.... books take precedence!).
I loved this book. As a pantser myself I loved reading about a thriller author as fabulous as Lisa share the same lifestyle with regards to her writing as I do! But this book did more than just inspire me with Lisa's process of how she crafts a book, it made me have a new found appreciation in the smallest intricacies in her writing that really, as a writer myself, I should have picked up on before reading this book! Her descriptions are so stunningly painted onto each page and that is really highlighted in this book. The Truth About Lisa Jewell is great for aspiring authors not only to get the cold hard truth about what life is like as an author but also to help you learn about those fine intricacies Lisa includes in her writing that make her books so poetic and powerful.
Also, as I'm currently in the process of querying agents myself I have made a mental note to send cupcakes to whoever reps and publishes me. IYKYK....
I loved this book. As a pantser myself I loved reading about a thriller author as fabulous as Lisa share the same lifestyle with regards to her writing as I do! But this book did more than just inspire me with Lisa's process of how she crafts a book, it made me have a new found appreciation in the smallest intricacies in her writing that really, as a writer myself, I should have picked up on before reading this book! Her descriptions are so stunningly painted onto each page and that is really highlighted in this book. The Truth About Lisa Jewell is great for aspiring authors not only to get the cold hard truth about what life is like as an author but also to help you learn about those fine intricacies Lisa includes in her writing that make her books so poetic and powerful.
Also, as I'm currently in the process of querying agents myself I have made a mental note to send cupcakes to whoever reps and publishes me. IYKYK....
October 2, 2022
Neither a biography nor a book about her writing craft. I felt the author had inserted himself too much in this and I finished the book still not knowing much about Lisa Jewell or her writing process. Too many chunks of her books quoted verbatim, a solid one third of this is just quotes. Also lots of time spent on picking out repetitions (themes, characters, descriptions) between all her novels. Lots of weird comparisons to Martin Amis. Who cares about Martin Amis? Some small insights but I read this to know more about how Lisa Jewell writes and left disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 27, 2024I am really regretful that I read this because it kind of soured my impression of Lisa Jewell. I found some of the interactions in this book to be vain, rude, and very indulgent. It also didn't help to find out she was able to start her career by being bankrolled by her then-boyfriend. Yes, she's supremely talented, but anyone can make it in the literary world if they have no job and someone supports them financially. It turns out I didn't really want to know the truth about Lisa Jewell at all.
May 23, 2022
Lisa Jewell's many, many fans will surely delight in this extended examination of her works and her life. Even newcomers to her oeuvre will see wonderful detail in these pages about how popular fiction is sometimes produced.
For my full write-up, please click on:- http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/T...
For my full write-up, please click on:- http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/T...
October 8, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up.
This is a fascinating look at how a book is written and would be useful to aspiring writers curious about how the work is done, especially for those who don't like to plan. However, I would suggest that to get the most out of the book, the reader should have a good understanding of Jewell's novels and have read The Family Remains in order to get the most out of this book.
This is a fascinating look at how a book is written and would be useful to aspiring writers curious about how the work is done, especially for those who don't like to plan. However, I would suggest that to get the most out of the book, the reader should have a good understanding of Jewell's novels and have read The Family Remains in order to get the most out of this book.
July 31, 2022
A fascinating read if you are a Lisa Jewell fan or if you are interested in the craft of writing. Will Brooker follows Jewell for a year as she writes her 20th novel, getting access to chapters as they are written and along the way unable to resist shaping bits himself.
November 30, 2023
Couldn’t get on with it. Too meta.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews