'I too would have loved to cut off Cicero’s head': Kaarina Parker's books confessional
Kaarina Parker is author of two novels about Fulvia, an aristocrat who lived during the late Roman Empire.
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Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: author of Fulvia, and the sequel, To Rule A Ruler, Kaarina Parker.
The book I wish I'd written
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu.
The book everyone should read
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf because, despite being published in 1929, a lot of her writing rings true today. It’s a brilliant first step into the world of women’s literature and history.
The book I want to be buried with
The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I can’t count how many times I’ve read it, and each time I get swept up again. If I can have only one book in the afterlife, let it be this one.
The first book I remember reading by myself
Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda. I haven’t read it since that first time, but I remember parts of it so vividly. It really captured my nine-year-old imagination.
Fiction or non-fiction
Fiction (OR, narrative non-fiction…).
It’s a crime against language to…
Use generative AI to produce a patchwork of stolen words and call it writing.
The book that haunts me
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman.
The book that made me cry
It’s a cliché for a reason – Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. I put off finishing it for three weeks because I knew what was coming and couldn’t bear the thought.
The book that made me laugh
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon.
The book character I identify with the most
Is it cheating to say my own? I identify a lot with Fulvia, probably because she’s been with me as a character since I was 21, so over a decade, and I’ve poured a lot of myself into her. Plus, I too would have loved to cut off Cicero’s head.
Best thing about reading
Being completely transported, I love that feeling of falling into a book and losing all sense of time and space. Also, the beautiful privilege of having access to perspectives and experiences radically different from your own.
Best place to read
Outside but undercover, on a comfy chair, with a blanket in winter or a breeze in summer.
What I'm reading right now
I just finished Reservoir Bitches by Dahlia de la Cerda, which I devoured in almost one sitting. Next on my list is Kin by Tayari Jones.
To Rule A Ruler by Kaarina Parker ($38, ECHO) is available to purchase at Unity Books.
The Spinoff Books section is proudly brought to you by Unity Books and Creative New Zealand. Visit Unity Books online today.
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