Catherine Johnson

The curious tale of the Lady Caraboo

Local established author Catherine Johnson has published her new book, The Curious Tale of The Lady Caraboo, a novel based on the true story of a poor cobbler’s daughter who fooled people into thinking she was a princess of the South Seas. HOT’s Zelly Restorick spoke to the author.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Catherine.

I still feel new to Hastings but I’ve been here three years now. It’s been a total surprise, I am – was – a born and bred Londoner but Hastings is fabulous. I moved here with my husband three years ago (his family lives here) and who knew the sea was so beautiful? I love it. Oh, and I also love Di Pola’s Salted Caramel Ice Cream and the twice cooked chips at The Crown.

What draws you to writing?

It’s my job! I’ve been published for over 20 years and The Curious Tale of The Lady Caraboo is – I think – my nineteenth book. I love writing YA, it’s such an exciting time. And I like writing because you can do it in your pyjamas with a cup of coffee. I am naturally lazy and enjoy sitting. I’ve written quite a few historical novels – my previous book, Sawbones, won the Young Quills Prize in 2013 for best historical book for young readers. I am not as prolific as some writers I know, but I do write other stuff too, films and TV mostly.

Tell us about your book.

The Curious Tale of The Lady Caraboo is the only book I’ve ever written that is based on an incredible true story. Princess Caraboo, aka Mary Willcox, was a real woman who lived in the early 19th century. She fooled academics and high society into believing that she was a princess from the South Seas, when really she was a poor cobbler’s daughter. I’ve chopped and shaped the tale into a novel. My book’s about exoticism and imposters and love and liars. Class and race too, but it’s a romp as well. I love a really good story and I hope this is it.

And the award you’ve been nominated for?

I am immensely proud it’s been nominated for the YA Book Prize, alongside really starry writers like Patrick Ness and Frances Hardinge, and rising stars like Holly Bourne and Sarah Crossan, to name a few. (My money is on Crossan or Bourne by the way!). It was a complete surprise and it has made my year.

Where can people buy your book?

Waterstones in Priory Meadow has some! Or the Rye Bookshop, they are lovely in there. Or anywhere really. It’s quite pricey at £7.99, and is published by PenguinRandomHouse.

Your next project?

My next book, out in October 2016, is called Blade and Bone, it’s a gory adventure with the hero of Sawbones, Ezra McAdam, through Paris in the revolution.

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