Writers Melissa Benn and Rachel Billington on belonging to a political dynasty
Melissa Benn is a writer and journalist. Her father is Tony Benn, her brother is Hilary; and her eighteen-year-old niece Emily hopes to continue the dynasty by becoming the youngest MP. Rachel Billington’s father was Lord Longford, an eminent writer and penal reformer; her mother, Elizabeth Longford, was a royal biographer. Unsurprisingly perhaps, both of their latest books look at the intersection between family and contemporary politics. Jane asks how their background has informed their writing of fiction?
Lies and Loyalties by Rachel Billington, published by Orion books at the beginning o f next month ISBN-13: 9780752868547
One of Us by Melissa Benn, published by Chatto and Windus this week ISBN-13: 978-0701181369 |
