Pint of Purple: Abbey Lewis

What book are you reading at the moment?

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, for my Victorian Novel module. It hasn’t WOW-ed me yet but I am enjoying it. It’s kind of a ‘meh’ so far.

Who is your favourite literary character?

There are way too many but the ones that have come to mind are Wemmick and Aged P in Great Expectations. They’re just hilarious. I love Hermione and Becky Sharp. Lyra Silvertongue. The women in Paradise.

What is the first book you remember reading?

I had an abridged version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame – a kind of picture book, I think, and although I don’t remember it fully I think that was the first book I read on my own. I have never read the actual novel though. I also remember reading Charm School and I read it so quickly my Dad didn’t believe I’d read it properly so he quizzed me on it. I think that’s when we both realised books would be my thing.

What is your all-time favourite book?

The Great Gatsby is the book that made me want to study literature, so even though I’ve since read so many books that match it, it will always be a special one for me. I love Paradise by Toni Morrison, Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie, all of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novels, and Bleak House. Harry Potter has got to have a mention here.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would be the title?

How Much Nutella Is It Acceptable To Eat In One Day

Subtitle: How Have I Reached The Age Of Twenty Without Figuring Out How To Use A Tin Opener

Sub-subtitle: Pack The Night Before Departure, Unpack Nine Months After Return

Kindle vs. Book

There is no shame in loving both! A Kindle is handy for me because I travel so much so I can read without lugging books around. The overall reading experience of a book is of course better. Books on the Kindle are cheaper and you can have one in sixty seconds. If the Kindle means people who ordinarily wouldn’t read are reading because it’s cheaper/more convenient, then it’s a great thing. But I will always have an overflowing bookshelf.

How much is a pint of purple?

Having never bought one, I have no idea.