History, Mystery & Hidden Manuscripts: The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton w/ Jennifer N. Brown (E210)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jennifer N. Brown. Jennifer is the Dean of Arts & Sciences at Bentley University, where she is also Professor of English and Media Studies, with a specialization in medieval literature written for and by women. She has published a lot on this topic but The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is her first novel. She lives in the Boston area with her husbnad, their two children, and two miniature dachshunds.
Episode Highlights:
The real history behind Elizabeth Barton and the lost manuscript
Writing as both a historian and a novelist
The freedom fiction offers compared to academic writing
Balancing historical accuracy with compelling storytelling
Writing across dual timelines (historical + modern)
How present-day perspectives shape historical fiction
The role of empathy in both history and reading
Letting go of perfection and knowing when to finish a book
Connect with Jennifer:
Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.
Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
Orlando by Virginia Woolf
Heart the Lover by Lily King
Flashlight by Susan Choi
Book Flight
The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
