Talk

Thank you all for putting your reviews up here, and looking forward to hearing from everyone on Thursday night. If you can't make it on Thursday, do put your question for Helen here in advance.

It is such a personal book, I can't wait to speak to Helen herself. Feel free to join in even if you haven't got a specific question, it is always great to hear different opinions and the more the merrier...

JennyWrenny, so sorry the book was sent to wrong place, don't worry at all if you haven't finished the book, come along and meet Helen whatever stage you are at.

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow, 9pm..

Evening everyone

Firstly, thank you to all those who have posted their reviews and thoughts so far. It is always fascinating to see how a book affects readers in different ways.

I’m delighted to welcome Helen Macdonald, winner of the 2015 Costa Prize and author of the exceptional H IS FOR HAWK, to Bookclub this evening.

Helen, thank you very, very much indeed for giving us your time tonight. And congratulations on the Samuel Johnson Prize, the Costa and your terrific success with this wonderful book. We have a fair few questions to get through so I'll just add the standard Mumsnet ones that we like to ask all our authors...

What childhood book most inspired you?

What would be the first piece of advice you would give to anyone attempting to write fiction?

What is the best book you’ve given someone recently?

And the best you’ve received?

Over to you...

I like your reply to MollyAir - did you find the false starts were about finding the voice to use in the book? Or was it more to do with what you were going to put in/leave out?

I'm also really intrigued to know how your university work and your creative writing work together - do you feel there is a big difference in how you handle academic papers and how you created this book?

For anyone who'd like to read more about THREADS (recommended by Helen above), here's a great review which shows one of Craske's marvellous embroidered pics.

Thank you for answering my question - it makes perfect sense. It is an extraordinarily brave and truthful voice. I'm still staggered by it. I think that is why your book is so powerful: it maintains that intense honesty.

Only 5 minutes left, it is going far too quickly...

Sadly our time is up...It has been such a rewarding evening, thank you everyone for your perceptive comments and questions.

Helen, you have been so generous and thoughtful with your answers, and - as with your book - written with wit and honesty and insight. Thank you so much for giving us your time and energy. Good luck with the next project - we will be waiting avidly to see what you do next.

(And one let cheeky question: is there is a H is for Hawk film in the wings? Any idea who might play you? I'm thinking Cumberbatch for the TH White bits)

Many thanks again on your remarkable, beautiful book.

Whoah, I didn't expect that.. But actually rather fitting, Game of Thrones actress with goshawk on her arm...Delighted that it'll be on screen and looking forward to seeing adaptation.

Goodnight and many thanks x