Literature is what I love more than anything.

As an only child, reading was a huge pastime. I would visit the library and return home with armfuls of books — seven or eight at a time. I fell in love with stories early, and to the surprise of my teachers, I could read before I even started school.

My parents shared a love of travel, especially to Italy and France, and they had a deep appreciation for languages. My mum would take me to French evening classes, and I became something of a Francophile. At eighteen, I went to Paris as an au pair. There, I not only deepened my love of the language but also discovered a passion for art, spending countless Sundays wandering the halls of the Louvre.

Returning from Paris, teaching felt like the natural next step. My father, a shopkeeper who was also a Chazan (Cantor), taught at Sunday school. He would often bring me along, and I found myself helping out with the students. Those early experiences, combined with my love of literature, a deep appreciation for learning, and a genuine desire to connect with others, led me from a BA in English and French to pursue a PGCE and an MA in Education. I began teaching English and Drama in some of the most challenging schools, often in underprivileged areas. It wasn’t easy, but I developed my own communicative, passionate teaching style. I loved going off on tangents to spark curiosity, helping students probe characters and stories. There were children who came unable to read, and I pulled them up from the lowest grade to get their English GSCE, which was incredibly rewarding. I have loved seeing both my own children involved in different forms of teaching too, whether with youngsters with learning difficulties or via broadcasting the news!

In my fifties, I embraced a new challenge at Henrietta Barnett, where I eventually became Head of English. The environment was markedly different — more formal and academically selective — but my passion-driven approach resonated with the students. Knowing that I inspired so many of them to fall in love with literature has been very fulfilling.

Teaching also opened unexpected doors. I was invited to Uganda to help partner with a school in Kampala. Many of the students there were orphans or girls who had escaped forced marriages. I spent over two weeks working with the teachers, and brought back a film to share the story. It was a very moving experience.

Beyond the classroom, I also taught for the Prince’s Teaching Institute, where I had the privilege of meeting some of my literary heroes—Kazuo Ishiguro, Doris Lessing, and Sebastian Faulks, among others. Even more thrilling was seeing them speak to my students — a real privilege.

Now retired from the classroom, I train new teachers from nursery up to secondary, learn Spanish and continue to devour books. I’m particularly drawn to stories of struggle, of resilience, of emotional depth. My taste ranges widely — from the streets of India and Ireland to the cities of London and New York, from classics to the latest releases. Yet my all-time favourite remains Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. My father was a salesman, and I feel a deep empathy for Willy Loman’s journey.

I’m also part of three book clubs, and my favourite is the Circle Square Book Club. The level of discussion is high, and I relish the thoughtful conversations. It’s mixed-gender too, which means my husband and I enjoy it together. The varied perspectives, the stimulating debates, and of course, the delicious food, make it a joyful way to indulge my passion.

Retirement has brought the gift of time, and with it, new adventures. I’ve travelled to Senegal, the Caribbean, Peru, and Cuba, and continue to pursue my other passions closer to home. I’ll often read about an art exhibition and go see it — whether it’s the Tate, the Serpentine, or the Saatchi. I also love theatre, anything from “A Street Car Named Desire” to “King Lear”. Hopping on the train and seeing a show is the absolute dream!

And yes, the Francophile in me is still very much alive. With my daughter now living in Paris, I enjoy frequent trips across the Channel. From that curious 18-year-old au pair who first fell in love with the city, I am still indulging my passion for it, all these years later.

Perhaps there’s also a book in me yet. I’ve taken writing courses, dabbled in memoir and speech writing, and I’m itching to try fiction. Never say never!

My 10 Book Recommendations

1. “Never Let me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
2. “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin
3. “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller
4. “The Gravedigger’s Daughter” by Joyce Carol Oates
5. “Caldedonian Road” by Andrew O’Hagan
6. “Notes on a Scandal” by Zoë Heller
7. “Long Island” by Colm Tobin
8. “How to be a Woman” by Caitlin Moran
9. “Atonement” by Ian McEwan
10. “The Garden of Evening Mists” by Tan Twan Eng

Circle Square Q&A

What 3 words best describe you? Enthusiastic, sociable, engaged.

If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be? Always be generous.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My children.

Which person (dead or alive) would you most like to invite to dinner? Ian McEwan.

How has age strengthened your advantage? It’s given me experience to look back on, and time to be more honest with myself, and more open-minded.

What inspired you to join Circle Square? The mix of lovely, inspiring people and the opportunity to explore new fields of interest.