New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Natasha Lester will meet local readers this month to discuss her new novel, The Chateau on Sunset.
Natasha will appear at Redcliffe Library on Thursday, 30 April, to share the inspiration behind the modern historical fiction book, a reimagining of Jane Eyre set between the 1950s and 1970s at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont.
“I read Jane Eyre for the first time as a 10-year-old and it left an indelible impression on my heart,” Natasha said. “But I’ve always wished that Jane, who’d yearned to explore the vast, wild sweep of the world, had been able to have the adventures she dearly wanted.
“The idea to set my novel at the Chateau Marmont occurred to me almost as soon as I had the idea to reimagine Jane Eyre – I could see the hotel as the perfect gothic backdrop for the story, like Thornfield Hall with its secret rooms and dark hallways and mysterious inhabitants.”
The novel follows Aria Jones, who is sent to live with her reclusive aunt at the infamous hotel, where she uncovers a dark secret. As she grows up, she takes refuge in the library, determined to remain invisible – until a mysterious rock star and his troubled daughter, Adele, arrive.
“I loved writing about how women can find their strength through their friendships with other women, in the same way that Aria finds hers through her bond with two aspiring actresses named Calliope and Flitter, who are inspired by real people – I’ll leave the readers to imagine who I drew inspiration from!” Natasha said.
The book also takes inspiration from true events from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
“I’ve drawn on the reasons why a Hollywood studio boss once said, ‘If you must get into trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont,’ and also the actors he was referring to,” Natasha said. “Funny stories like Bette Davis almost burning the hotel down by falling asleep with a lit cigarette beside her influenced my book, as well as darker stories, such as what happened to sixteen-year-old Natalie Wood when she was rehearsing A Rebel Without a Cause in a Chateau Marmont bungalow.”
Attendees at the Redcliffe Library event can purchase a copy of The Chateau on Sunset and have it signed by Natasha.
“I love meeting readers whose names I might know from social media – it’s always wonderful to put a name to a face,” she said. “And I love listening to the stories they share with me about their personal connections to my books.”
Entry is free, but bookings are essential. Go to www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/libraries/Events/Meet-Author/Meet-The-Author/Natasha-Lester
The Chateau on Sunset is available at Hachette Australia.
Meet the Author: Natasha Lester
- Thursday, 30 April, 6.30pm-7.30pm (arrive 6pm)
- Redcliffe Library
- 476 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe
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