Fascinating Facts About Famous Fiction Authors and the Greatest Novels of All Time: The Book Lover’s Guide to Literary Trivia hooks the reader’s attention at the outset. This is a colorful, eclectic collection of short anecdotes, intriguing facts, and compelling snippets of behind-the-scenes information. This book offers an insightful glimpse into the hitherto hidden lives of some of the world’s most prolific writers. From Charlotte Bronte and Agatha Christie to Thomas Hardy and James Joyce, there are captivating anecdotes and stories, all of which are guaranteed to entertain anyone who is interested in literature.
Third-person narration, along with the meticulous organization of the book into short micro-chapters, make this book accessible to all readers with an interest in the subject. Additionally, the surprising coincidences and off-the-wall facts add a spark of ingenuity to the writing, making it constantly fresh and engaging.
The chapter headings are humorous, entertaining the reader, and drawing them into the lives of the writers discussed (for example, “Say it Ain’t So, Jo” is a chapter heading for Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women). There is never a dull moment; the focus is on the person behind the writing, as well as the books, thus helping us to understand the interplay between the famed author and their lives as everyday people.
Astor also weaves in references to well-known films, as well as modern-day authors, and famous actors, too, which bridges the gap between the writers discussed, and the here and now. There is, for example, a humorous reference to the 2009 parody novel Pride Prejudice and Zombies in the section about Jane Austin. This lightens the tone, adding an additional sprinkling of wit to the text. The linking of modern-day literature to Austin’s original work adds a dose of light-hearted humor, all of which keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Just as the writers discussed in this well-researched book will live on in the memory, so, too, will Dave Astor’s Fascinating Facts About Famous Fiction Authors. This is a thoroughly satisfying read. Instead of leaving the reader feeling alienated, viewing their literary heroes and heroines from afar, the author closes this gap, making this an intimate, satisfying read. Like buried treasure, hitherto hidden away from sight, Dave Astor has unveiled secret knowledge about some of the world’s most prolific writers. Fans of quirky, eclectic non-fiction will enjoy this book immensely.
The Introverted Bookworm 
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