June 17th 2024.
Jane Flett, a Scottish writer living in Berlin, shares her thoughts on reading in the bathtub and the books that have inspired her, including her favorite reads of the year.
The first book that left a lasting impression on Jane was The Very Hungry Caterpillar. She describes it as a brilliant reflection on the power of desire and the consequences of wanting too much. It continues to inspire her to this day and she has a deep love for the caterpillar.
One book that Jane highly recommends to everyone is Bunny by Mona Awad. While it may seem like a story about a group of writers in an MFA program, it is actually a wildly insane novel that takes unexpected turns into witch covens and monstrous rituals. Jane is fascinated by the dynamics of cults and Awad's writing captures it perfectly. She also praises the author's use of language and humor.
Jane also shares her top three reads from the past year. Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency by Chen Chen left her feeling a range of emotions and she highly recommends it for its beautiful writing about queer joy. Sarahland by Sam Cohen is a collection of short stories that explore various experiences of womanhood in a feminist, vulgar, and thought-provoking way. A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G Summers, although a re-read for Jane, remains one of her obsessions as it follows a former food critic turned cannibal and challenges societal norms.
However, not all books are meant to be finished. Jane mentions The Fake by Zoe Whittall as one she did not enjoy reading due to its subject matter of a compulsive liar and scammer. But she couldn't help but be drawn to the book and even re-read it, despite its discomforting themes.
Jane also shares an author who has inspired her greatly - Marcy Dermansky. Her female characters, who make impulsive and sometimes terrible decisions, inspire Jane with their ability to turn towards happiness even in difficult situations. Dermansky's writing subverts the idea that women who go against societal norms will be punished and instead, allows for a more optimistic outlook.
Jane's favorite place to read is in the bathtub. During the first lockdown of the pandemic, she invested in a bath shelf where she can relax with candles, a glass of wine, and a book propped up against a stand. She indulges in the hot water until her fingers are pruned, shutting out the outside world and immersing herself in the book.
Jane's latest work, Freakslaw, is set to be released on June 20th by Doubleday. She invites readers to check it out and also encourages them to read more book news on Scottish Field and subscribe for the latest issue.
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