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Original poster

Help! I need an intelligent question to ask...

33 replies

MonkeyGoneToHeaven · 19/09/2013 18:21

Hilary Mantel! I am going to a talk she is giving tomorrow and as DH is helping to organise, I may (please, please, please God) get to meet her. I expect we will be able to ask questions after the talk (about her new book) and if I do meet her 'properly' afterwards I would like to say something that doesn't make me look a complete lemon.

So, any suggestions for questions about her work, and also general chit chat? I'd like to ask her who in current public life she thinks most resemble Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn, but I bet she won't answer that one!

If I do meet her, I'll report back...

OP posts:
LaQueenForADay · 19/09/2013 21:19

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nicename · 19/09/2013 21:14

Can you see of that's her real voice?

I imagine she'd probably not want a really deep and meaningful question. I'd love it if someone asked me where I got my shoes from (shallow).

I really don't like historical novels. "As she looked into the mirror, Elizabeth 1 thought 'I really should chop off that peaky Maryt's head', now, where's my face-whitener and wig..."

That is so unhelpful. Sorry. Off for more wine (tough day).

letsgetreadytoramble · 19/09/2013 21:12

Maybe ask her if she found it tricky to get a balance between writing an engaging story and creating a convincing historical backdrop. I found that both her books tended to include a bit too much historical detail, such as the scenes in the courtroom, and would be interested to know if she struggled with whether to include certain details or not. Lucky you getting to meet her!

LaQueenForADay · 19/09/2013 21:09

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LEMisdisappointed · 19/09/2013 18:52

Ah, she wrote wolf hall didn't she? not that ive read it, maybe i'll have a go - i liked the White Queen.

I should say, be yourself :)

Original poster
MonkeyGoneToHeaven · 19/09/2013 18:42

When I say 'fiction' I mean based on real events. So her interpretation of them, if you see what I mean.

OP posts:
Original poster
MonkeyGoneToHeaven · 19/09/2013 18:41

LEM She's won the Man Booker prize twice - she writes mainly historical fiction. Worth checking out.

OP posts:
LEMisdisappointed · 19/09/2013 18:27

Who is she?

Clearly i am not the person you are looking for :)