Another Heartbeat in the House (55 page)

♦ Writing and literature is a key theme in
Another Heartbeat in the House
, with Edie discovering Eliza's manuscript, and Eliza writing alongside William Thackeray. In what way are both women's lives shaped by writing and stories?

♦ Edie is surprised to learn about the devastating impact of the famine in Ireland. Why do you think Kate Beaufoy chose to write about such a turbulent and tragic period? How does the contrast between scenes of high society and scenes of poverty affect your view of the characters?

♦ Eliza's world is totally changed by becoming a mother to Clara – and George. How does Kate Beaufoy explore the impact of motherhood on Eliza?

♦ The guests at an all-male dinner party belittle and ridicule women novelists. Why do you think the men feel compelled to disparage women's fiction? Do you think men's attitudes have changed much since the nineteenth century?

♦ Edie and Eliza are two women from very different backgrounds and time periods – yet they are linked by Lissaguirra. What kind of role does the house play in the lives – and fortunes – of these two women?

♦ Were you surprised by the ending of Eliza's story? Do you think Edie's discovery of the manuscript is a way of celebrating Eliza's unusual life?

One beautiful dress is the key to three brave women's destinies …

France 1919:
Jessie is celebrating the last heady days of her honeymoon. But when her husband suddenly disappears she finds herself bereft. Until a chance encounter thrusts her into the centre of the intoxicating world of Parisian high life.

Hollywood 1945:
Lisa has come a long way from her quiet, unassuming life in London and is taking Hollywood by storm. But all that glitters is not gold, and as the smoke and mirrors of the lifestyle she so longed for shatter around her there are some secrets she can never escape.

London 1965:
Cat, headstrong and independent, drawn to danger and passionately opposed to injustice, has no idea of the legacy that precedes her. Once past secrets are unveiled, she has the chance to find out what liberty really means …

An evocative story of survival, betrayal and the invincibility of love.

‘A wholly engrossing, beautifully crafted novel'
Marian Keyes

‘Lush, delicious, exquisitely written: I just loved it'
Cathy Kelly

‘A damn good read'
Douglas Kennedy

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Kate Beaufoy
began her writing career as Kate Thompson. She had a dozen contemporary novels published before writing her first historical novel,
Liberty Silk
, under Beaufoy, her grandmother's name.

Kate has an MA in English and French literature from Trinity College Dublin. She scuba dives to advanced level and is in thrall to her Burmese cat. Her website is
www.katebeaufoy.com

and published by Transworld Ireland

TRANSWORLD PUBLISHERS
61–63 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5SA
www.transworldbooks.co.uk

Transworld is part of the Penguin Random House group of companies whose addresses can be found at
global.penguinrandomhouse.com

First published in 2015 by Transworld Ireland,
a division of Transworld Publishers
Copyright © Kate Beaufoy 2015

Kate Beaufoy has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

This book is a work of fiction and, except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Version 1.0 Epub ISBN 9781848271920
ISBN 9781848271913

This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author's and publisher's rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

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