Watson, Little Prize: Upmarket Fiction – Rachel Richardson

This is part of a series launching the Watson, Little Prize. The prize is international, genre-specific, and in this inaugural edition of the prize – in celebration of the agency’s 50th year – it is dedicated to writers over 50 years of age. It aims to encourage those from older generations, from all backgrounds and from all nations and cultures, to apply. The 2021 prize will focus on upmarket fiction, and we look forward to seeing entries in this genre.

Want to know how to submit? Click here.

In each part of this series, a member of Watson, Little staff will offer favourite examples of upmarket fiction. Today, we look at Rights Director Rachel Richardson‘s picks.

 

Joanna Trollope’s A SPANISH LOVER, published when the author was on the cusp of turning fifty, is a lovely, light-hearted sister story with romance, intelligent, writing, and most importantly sympathetic portrays of complex women.

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Waters brings the past to life in a way that is so absorbing you almost don’t notice getting swept away — the atmosphere is enlivened rather than weighed down by historical details. THE PAYING GUESTS is an emotional roller coaster, with a scintillating love story, murder, and inter-war domesticity making a delightful combination.