Publication day!

my novel about the women surrealists is coming out today

Hello Everyone,

I hope it’s ok to share with you that my novel about the women surrealists is published today!

The date is not accidental: it’s 100 years to the day since Andre Breton published the Surrealist Manifesto in 1924 and the surrealist revolution in art began.

My novel follows the fortunes of Penelope Furr who, like Leonora Carrington, escapes a restrictive life in England to join the surrealists in Paris. There she meets a mysterious woman called Suzanne (based on Nadja, from Breton’s book of the same name) and has great triumphs as an artist but struggles to find her place as a woman in an art movement dominated by men.

I’ve had such fun with writing this novel! In one scene, Penelope actually makes the iconic work that my Substack is named after, namely Meret Oppenheim’s fur cup. So, as you can see, my novel isn’t a straightforward historical reconstruction (for instance, no one could have met the real Nadja in the 1930s because she was incarcerated during all that time). Instead I’ve mixed and matched all sorts of surrealist artists and artworks together and there’s a note at the end to explain all the liberties I’ve taken with the truth. There’s also lots more info on my website.

The story runs all the way to 1940 as war breaks out and the surrealists are scattered across Europe, some fleeing for their lives. Penelope and Suzanne are separated but, in the midst of danger and confusion, their friendship leads to salvation for both of them.

The book is available on Amazon and many other online bookstores as a paperback or ebook. Do let me know what you think of the book if you get hold of it or ideally write a review. Thanks!

And if you live near Bangor in North Wales (UK) you can come along to my surrealist launch party at Blue Sky cafe.

Another imaginary Fur Cup encounter will be coming your way as usual in a fortnight.

thanks and best wishes,

Kathy