Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Dame Emma Thompson, the renowned actress and writer, has received the prestigious Hay Festival Medal for Drama this year. The announcement was made during the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, where she took part in a conversation with author Elizabeth Day, discussing the novels that have influenced her life and work.
Julie Finch, CEO of the Hay Festival, commended Thompson for her sharp intelligence, wit, and fearless approach to storytelling. Finch highlighted how Thompson’s career, spanning both screen and literature, has offered audiences profound insights into the human condition. Throughout the event, Thompson reflected on her early years, feminist ideals, and the literary works that left a lasting impact on her.
Thompson revealed that one of the first books to inspire her was Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Mr Todd, chosen in part because it was the longest story. She fondly recalled how she and her siblings sought out lengthy bedtime stories so they could savor more time listening to their father’s “honeyed” voice. These early experiences nurtured her enduring passion for language and storytelling. She praised Potter for respecting children as a “sacred audience,” insisting that authors must create their best work for young readers who absorb so much from these stories.
Throughout the discussion, Thompson also spoke about how books continued to captivate her into adulthood, drawing inspiration from authors like Jane Austen and various fantasy writers. Yet, she admitted that many female characters in literature made her feel disconnected from her own identity. She described this as a “conflicted time,” searching for representations that resonated with her feelings and desires. Reflecting on Victorian women writers, Thompson acknowledged their courage in the face of societal restrictions, questioning how they managed to continue creating despite the discouragement they faced. She recognized the importance of access to education and the arts, emphasizing their role in shaping opinions on various aspects of life. When asked about the book that most influenced her, she named *Madwoman in the Attic*, which she encountered during her studies at Cambridge. This work revealed to her a new way to interpret the world and unveiled the hidden struggles of women writers from the past. Grateful and somewhat surprised by her award, Thompson said, “I shall wear it to bed,” calling the honour “beautiful.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.