The Power of Persuasion

Beth Durban is persuaded to write a letter to the editor's page of a national Sunday newspaper because of a film critic's prejudice against adaptations of Jane Austen's novels. When she receives an unexpected visit from the newspaper's critic, F. William D'Arcy, she is bemused but after several sightings of the inquisitive journalist, she is less pleased.

Beth is so distracted by the unwelcome interest from such an arrogant man, she fails to see that a close work colleague is falling in love with her. As a scientific researcher, she has led a varied and independent life travelling the world, spending time in New Zealand, Canada, Australia, America, Singapore and Israel. With such a full and demanding life, she has had little time to form any serious, romantic attachments that might lead to a permanent relationship.

When she decides to take driving lessons, Beth opens up a whole new world for herself and realises that perhaps she isn't too old to find love after all.

The Power of Persuasion, first written in 1998, was never published but, this year, the story was completely rewritten. One character has been removed from the story and another character re-named and given a new identity: film and theatre critic.

The novel is a gentle read and full of humour and should be out soon.