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Natasha Solomons is the author of the bestselling Mr Rosenblum's List and The Novel in the Viola, which was chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club. Natasha Lives in Dorset with her son and her husband with whom she also writes screenplays. Her novels have been translated into 17 languages.
Author photo © David Solomons
I’ll let you into a secret, I have a bit of a reading crush on Natasha Solomons as she writes such beautifully observed and engaging books. Each time I am transported, and her previous title ‘The Song Collector’ was one of my books of the year in 2015. I’m more than happy to announce that ‘House of Gold’ is another triumph. Set between 1911 and 1917 this is a story that reads on an epic scale. Europe sits at the forefront as World War One marches forwards, and for one particular family the Goldbaum’s, their whole existence is fractured and forever altered. In such a huge arena we meet Greta who is sent from Austria to England to marry a distant cousin, her thoughts and feelings create a touchable, emotionally rich and moving story. I felt her pain, the ache of loneliness, and her relationship with her husband and brother are exquisitely realised. I just sat and read from start to finish in one wonderful afternoon. ’House of Gold’ is an absolute treasure, it made me feel, it made me think, it made me realise the knife edge on which humanity sits is razor-sharp indeed.
‘The Song Collector’ subtly tiptoes under your skin, the first few sentences call to you, draw you in, envelop you… and then it doesn't let you go until the very last page. Fox recollects meeting the love of his life just after the Second World War, while in the present, grieving the death of his wife, his grandson helps him reconnect with music and the world around him. There is a beguiling sense of honesty to the story, it feels as though Fox is seeking peace and reconciliation not only with others, but also with himself. Natasha Solomons has a wonderful ability to connect to thoughts and feelings and bring them to life, make them feel totally and completely real. There aren't any cunning tricks, hidden mysteries or unpredictable events lurking to hijack you, just a beautifully written, special and moving story waiting to be heard. One of our Books of the Year 2015.
One of our Books of the Year 2015. July 2015 Book of the Month. ‘The Song Collector’ subtly tiptoes under your skin, the first few sentences call to you, draw you in, envelop you… and then it doesn't let you go until the very last page. Fox recollects meeting the love of his life just after the Second World War, while in the present, grieving the death of his wife, his grandson helps him reconnect with music and the world around him. There is a beguiling sense of honesty to the story, it feels as though Fox is seeking peace and reconciliation not only with others, but also with himself. Natasha Solomons has a wonderful ability to connect to thoughts and feelings and bring them to life, make them feel totally and completely real. There aren't any cunning tricks, hidden mysteries or unpredictable events lurking to hijack you, just a beautifully written, special and moving story waiting to be heard. ~ Liz Robinson
July 2014 Book of the Month. A lovely, unpredictable read where you really do not see what’s coming next. There is a lot going on, lots of strong, diverse characters, lots of humour, lots of life. I loved it. It takes time to unfold to find its direction but when Juliet uses her savings designed for a new fridge on a portrait instead and slowly enters the vibrant post war art world, we know where we are going. She ends up running a gallery and making a name for herself. Mesmerising, charming and full of warmth, it is about a Jewish woman, deserted by her husband, so left socially dead, rising to make something of her life. Wonderful stuff.
Shortlisted for the Galaxy New Writer of the Year 2010. If you enjoyed The Brief History of Tractors in Ukrainian then this is for you. It too concerns immigrants striving to become British, only here it is a German Jewish family who arrived in 1937. It is a bittersweet tale laced with humour, of a man following his dream which includes becoming British enough to be accepted by a pukka golf club and being floored by bigots and prejudice. His answer, build one! A perfect gem, slow to start but suddenly impossible to put down, the sort of book you must tell your friends about.