Louise E. Rule interviews Carol Edgerley

This week we are holding a spectacular 7 day event to launch Marguerite and Claire and to kick it off, we start with this wonderful interview with author Carol Edgerley!

Carol Edgerley was inspired to write after learning the fascinating story of her rebellious great-grandmother from a great aunt, visiting from India. Subsequently, her children encouraged her to write it for a wider audience to enjoy. The result was her debut novel, Marguerite, a fictionalised account of her grandmother's life, published in September 2012. It is the first in a saga about three generations of feisty women. Claire, her second book, was published in September 2013. A third volume, Susanna, is in the pipeline.

Welcome, Carol. Thank you for joining me today 

to talk about your books, Marguerite and Claire.

Carol Edgerley

Carol, you have an incredibly fascinating background. Please can you tell us a little about it?

My parents were British, but aside from their passports, they were a cocktail of different nationalities: Irish, Scottish, French, Swedish and a drop or two of Italian for good measure. I was born in India but moved to France when I was just a toddler, and remained there until I was 10. My education began at a French convent, and I later went to boarding school in England. 

A French and English teacher, I happily abandoned my profession to fly instead as a stewardess for some years – a lifestyle decidedly more exciting! 

During my years in Hong Kong, I ran a successful tutorial for many years. Brit I technically may be…but France has always been “home” to me, where I choose to live in retirement.

You have written so far about Marguerite de Merencourt O’Hara and her daughter Claire; now you are setting down the story of Susanna. Why did you decide to write about these women?

It fascinated (and dismayed) me to notice a decidedly dysfunctional thread running through each generation of this family, where a matriarch takes an active dislike to one of her children. I like to think I have broken that particular thread! Marguerite began as a sort of testimonial for my own children, I being the only family member in possession of her story, that even at the age of 12 I found riveting. To my surprise and huge pleasure, the book was so well received that I decided to write the story of her elder daughter Claire, an unhappy and complex woman. One of her granddaughters, Susanna, became the target of extreme bullying, which is very much in the news today.

Are there any other books in the pipeline for Carol Edgerley?

As things stand, I am currently writing the story of Susanna, which may see the light of day by the end of the year. Thereafter, there could be Olivia to write about.

Before your aunt’s tutoring sessions, did you know anything about the relatives of which you now write?

Before the maths tutoring, I had gleaned fascinating snippets from my grandmother about her childhood, but who never admitted to having a brother stabbed to death in a bar-room brawl. She was far too elegant and dignified for such a thing! Now and again, I heard occasional gossip from older family members to be stored away in my mind. One way or another, a love of horses has always been part of the Merencourt women’s lives, including my own. And I have a daughter who adores them, too…

How did you go about capturing all the information? Do you remember being told about your great grandmother and grandmother? Did you record your aunt, write as much down as you could? Did you have to do any follow-up research?

No. Throughout the years I never wrote anything down at all. Marguerite’s amazing life has always burned bright in my mind, and I was asked on the odd occasion to describe my ancestry. Having decided to write about Claire, I did a spot or two of “research” amongst still-living relatives!

Who did you find the most challenging to understand, and who do you most relate to?

As to the most challenging to understand, I’m certain I could never have found the strength to cope with the disaster and drama that beset the stalwart Marguerite, even though that strength was later channelled into over-dominance of her children with dismaying results. As for Claire, I roller-coasted between feeling desperately sorry for the terrible disappointments she suffered…and clutching my head over the more ruthless aspects of her character. I was bullied at school…as was Susanna, so perhaps I am able to empathise a little more with her?

Your books are about your great grandmother and grandmother, so is there any element of fiction in your books?

It has always been a problem for me to decide on the genre of my books. In the end I reluctantly labelled them as “historical romantic fiction” for want of something rather more accurate to describe them. “Love and roses” they most certainly are not! “Memoirs” …maybe as I have told their stories as accurately as possible…warts and all! The “fiction” aspect is that I fleshed out the characters from my imagination, not having their personal acquaintance…in particular, my great-grandmother, Marguerite!

How do you think you have evolved creatively?

I most certainly have evolved creatively! I assumed the writing of Marguerite would be a piece of cake since I was an English teacher, possessed a wide vocabulary (having been obliged to learn vast lists of words and their meanings as I had a bad stammer and could substitute in case of difficulty), and I had a “ready-made” storyline…that assumption proved to be a colossal error. It most certainly is a craft! I had to learn the difference between writing for a reader …and writing an essay. For years I staggered along a literary rocky road, regularly barking my shins through erroneous trust in editorial charlatans purporting to show me the way! Finally the penny dropped…and Marguerite became a finished article. My pride was immense! On reflection, it’s a bit like having a baby: the first experience is appalling, but the next pops out relatively easily….

Claire was re-released with a new cover, which is just beautiful! Who designed it, and what is your favourite thing about it, Carol?

Claire’s gorgeous new cover was designed by Cathy Helms of Avalon Graphics. I found the girl’s gaze to be particularly riveting…

All authors like to hear what readers think of their books; do you get much feedback from your readers?

Feedback…yes, quite a lot. Not everyone has access to a computer or possesses an Amazon account to post a review. Some find doing that very thing to be intimidating…or they merely forget. I have received several lovely messages from people who bought hand-sold books, some of whom are “old India wallahs” declaring the books to be delightful re-visitations of the country they once knew so well. Many eagerly ask when Susanna will be available…

There is one scene in Claire that is especially difficult to read – a little shocking that someone could do that. Do readers ever mention it?

The terrible abandonment of little Timothy was an incident I admit hesitating over. But I wanted to tell Claire’s story as it happened, and it had a long-term effect on Claire herself. I want to point out that she never forgave herself for what she had done, and perhaps regarded her care of the infant Susanna as a small gesture towards atonement. To date, readers have never criticised reading about it, possibly because the book is not in the least way “romanticised” with unpleasantness glossed over.

If your books were to be made into films, who do you see playing the three lead women?

Fiery Genevieve Bujold would have made a marvellous Marguerite but maybe she’s too old now? As for Claire, Rosie Marcel would be ideal to play her conflicting character. I can see Camilla Arfwedson as Susanna…

I like to ask authors about their writing routines, where they write, when they write. Do you have a particular routine when writing?

Carol's beautiful garden

I write in my veranda, surrounded by five dogs. Being somewhat occupied by my large animal family (…plus five donkeys, two bunnies, a cockatiel and a cat), I simply don’t have time for writer’s block or any other “diva melodrama.” I write when I can – get interrupted – resume writing hours later, then possibly more interruptions. No routine. Take it up…and put it down! Easy.

Proofreading and editing, two of the most important things, apart from writing the book, of course. How do you go about this process?

I always edit a previous chapter before continuing. At the end of the book, I re-edit the whole manuscript, sometimes twice. Then off it goes to Michelle Kelley, my super professional proof-reader/editor, who manages to sort out the necessary without noticeable alterations to my “voice”.

Would you like to share with our readers what books have had a strong influence on you or your writing, Carol?

As a girl, I adored Georgette Heyer’s regency novels, especially These Old Shades…(sigh!) then Judith Kranz’s We’ll Meet Again, and Barbara Taylor Bradford’s series, the first being A Woman of Substance.

Besides your love of writing, Carol, what are your other passions?

My passions? Horses, donkeys and dogs…all animals! Because of them, I am never lonely despite the relative isolation of my home. I also love reading, but sadly have little time for it these days. Historians David Starkey and Simon Scharma are my idols! I also love cooking for friends…and in several different languages. My garden gives me great pleasure…unfortunately deer are finding it a great restaurant to visit!

Is there anything else that you would like to add, Carol?

The only thing I would add for the benefit of budding writers…DON’T give up the day job!

Thank you so much Carol, it's been a real joy chatting with you. We look forward to your next book, Susanna, being published very soon.

Both Marguerite and Claire have been awarded the prestigious B.R.A.G. Medallion

Carol can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and on her website.

Lisl's Bits and Bobs: Review of Claire: Book II in The Merencourt Saga

Claire (Book II in The Merencourt Saga) by Carol Edgerley

Remember to see below for a giveaway!

The 19^th and early 20^th centuries contain not a few accounts of resolute women, females who pushed back or laid claim to their slice of the world, many meeting success and motivating others to aspire to greater goals. Marguerite de Merencourt was one such woman, and although the legacy she passed to her children and grandchildren contained mixed blessings—for Marguerite’s obstinate streak, so admirable in her younger years, often worked against her favor as she grew older—she remains a draw for readers precisely because some of her efforts yielded less than absolute success.

Marguerite’s eldest daughter Claire, introduced to readers in the final pages of her mother's story, possesses Minette’s striking beauty as well as indomitable spirit, and from an early age mesmerizes those around her, though not always for the better. Her father’s bullying nature softens to smiles, but upon a long-time-coming visit to her maternal grandparents’ home in France, the teen is viciously rejected by the same woman who pushed away her own infant—Marguerite as a baby. As Claire is coming into her own, she often clashes with her mother and the failure of both to choose their battles widens the already substantial chasm between them.

Claire opens to a scene of the girl celebrating—or trying to—her first grown-up birthday at the end of the new century’s debut decade. While the mores of the time have not drastically altered since her mother was 17, Claire recognizes the changes dawning in the world—cars and telephones make their appearances in the novel—as well as within herself, and like most teenaged girls, resents her mother’s strictures as much as she is mortified by her working status as a Calcutta business owner.

Unfortunately for Claire, she doesn’t seem to learn from her mother’s mistakes, nor does Minette—to the detriment of both. Eager to escape the house as well as the hanging cloud of a family secret, Claire enters into a marriage arranged by her mother, only to find that her once-charming fiancé has little feeling for her other than as sexual release in the absence of the married woman he had conducted an affair with during their engagement. Betrayed by her partner in life and humiliated in the public forum, Claire directs her energies and considerable organizational skills on lavish entertaining and a posh lifestyle.

Picknicking at Diamond Harbour near Calcutta
Photo courtesy Carol Edgerley

Before readers get very far into the story, Minette and Claire have already bickered over so many and such petty grievances, one wonders if they spend copious amounts of time nursing exhaustion, for indeed it takes a great deal of energy to be angry. Edgerley’s dialogue, however, always fresh and sharp, combines with the narrative and clearly shows characters’ perspectives as well as the larger picture. While the novel has some editing issues, the story within not only withstands, but also is too strong to be detracted and as family members frequently engage in heated rows, the danger of staleness pales when up against these strong and well-spoken women.  

At the racecourse, near Calcutta
Photo courtesy Carol Edgerley

Having said that, there is indeed more to 

the characters than smartly-chosen words delivered for maximum effect. Readers are permitted to witness the ambitious Claire as she at times struggles to maintain her footing or determine the next step. Troublemaker Sonia is not always able clearly to see her sister’s secrets in order to exploit them, and Christina, with a tendency towards submission and desire just to keep the peace, develops a strength enabling her to speak out against Claire’s less desirable behaviors and actions.

Though Minette has kept most details of her unhappy childhood from her children, some eventually learn the most significant details, such as when Claire’s grandmother verbally assaults her—for being Minette’s daughter, of course, but also because she is so startlingly like her. “That unnatural mother,” as Minette considers the Marquise, nevertheless has exerted some sort of influence as we later see Claire repeat some of her grandmother’s acts and treat her own children with a contempt shocking to modern readers.

Claire’s life does, however, have its happy moments, and Edgerley’s descriptive prowess of them and other scenes is as powerfully true to reality as it is scrumptiously absorbing. Scenes of both ordinary and grand wrap around readers as if they are part of them, and as they move though seamless transitions, investment in those they read about deepens. Appreciation for Claire and others develops despite—or perhaps because of—her flaws and obstinate inability to move past some of them.

“The young woman had never looked more beautiful, her dark hair drawn up into a loose knot encircled by strands of jasmine. In her hands, she held a bouquet of the same delicate white blooms encircled by green foliage. The elegant bodice of her soft taffeta gown was scattered with seed pearls that proceeded in swathes over the flowing skirts. Only her hands were seen to tremble…wedding nerves, it was said.”

Claire, aged about 48 in France
Photo courtesy Carol Edgerley

When still becoming acquainted with Claire and how she endures living in a pressurized society under the seal of a loveless marriage, this reviewer had at first mused she might be a character readers “love to hate.” It soon becomes clear that such stylization shortchanges Claire, her story and readers themselves. Multi-faceted, Claire’s dreams, disappointments, loves, losses, sins and attempts at atonement could be any of ours, and reflect the reality she once lived.

How Claire goes on to make a satisfying life for herself and her family is nothing short of astounding; with her perseverance in the face of unforgiving setbacks as well as unmitigated joy, she carries on amidst global as well as local changes, community and personal. Like India herself as midnight, a new day, approaches, Claire must acknowledge the past as she aims to settle into her future, one that will certainly contain agonizing choices alongside the promise beckoned by the birth of a new era. Having grown attached to her, both despite and because of her lapses, readers will long with and for her, and wish for more.

For a chance to win a soft copy of Claire from Carol Edgerley, simply comment below or at our Facebook page!

Carol Edgerley is the author of the first two books of The Merencourt Saga, Marguerite and Claire, with a third, Susanna, in the works. You can find more about the author at her website, Twitter and Facebook.  

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