They’ve made a film of Nancy Drew and I’m mildly indignant. Call me bookish (it’s in the job description) but I’m a bit cynical when it comes to books I love(d) being turned into great big motion pictures. Of course, I have exceptions to my own rule, The Shawshank Redemption, The Remains of the Day, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to name a few. But don’t get me started on Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. There’s a case in point.
Nancy Drew is special to me because she was mystery and adventure when I was all of ten years old. Before starting at Puffin HQ, I clambered into my parents loft to hunt down and blow the dust off my hardback Matilda, The Sheep-Pig, The Chronicles of Narnia, The BFG, First Term at Malory Towers, Alice in Wonderland and yes (she says in a whisper) Forever. I was off to work in children’s books and I wanted a few of my beloveds with me. Tiny doodles and all (sacrilege I know), but I’d forgotten how much I truly did heart A.B. It was sweet to remember.
My point? I do have one. The Child that Books Built is a memoir of childhood and reading by Francis Spufford, which I discovered whilst waist high in dissertation research five years ago. I just love the concept. I spent some time pondering the books that built me and to what extent they affect (effect? I never could) me now. I can’t begin to explain the happiness I experienced when, this September, The BFG with my blurb hit the bookshops. But that’s the privilege of doing what I do.
Books from childhood are part of you – spend a few moments recalling the books which delighted and fascinated you as a child and see if it doesn’t make you smile.
As for the ND film, I’ll watch it but I think my mind is made up. My Nancy Drew has titian hair and freckles. This young lady (charming though she no doubt is), has not.
Sarah Kettle, Puffin Copywriter
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