Zelda's Cut

For years, Isobel Latimer has composed serious novels for serious people, but to dwindling acclaim and evermore dwindling financial gain. Now her husband is ill and she must carry the burden of their house and his hopes alone, and in secret. But if the public don't want careful moral fables any longer, why not provide them with an outrageous tale of sex and satanism, and an author to match? Isobel, together with her agent, Troy, resolves to change her writing and her appearance, for one book only: the blockbuster that will make her fortune and save her marriage. Once created, the fabulous author Zelda Vere takes on a life of her own, which eclipses Isobel's controlled existence in a way she could never have forseen. Unexpected vistas show more open; glamorous possibilities beckon. But are they real, or will they vanish when the media furore dies down? And meanwhile, what's happening at home to her once-predictable marriage? What began with the best of intentions snowballs into a disorienting blur of passion, gender-bending, loss of innocence, betrayal and despair. Isobel Latimer might feel she's on the brink of losing everything but what would Zelda do? show less

I can’t decide whether this was total trash or a masterpiece!! I’m a great fan of Ms Gregory’s historical novels and this was nothing like. Was she, like the main character, trying to show that she can write a trashy popular novel as well as the good stuff ?
Whilst reading I was thinking what rubbish, not worthy of Philippa Gregory, and yet it was such a page turner ! I had to know what was coming next ! Surely the sign of a “good book “ ?
It’s a good read, a well written, trashy novel !!

Author Isobel Latimer has always taken pride in her literary work. Unfortunately, esteemed literary prizes don’t necessarily equate to blockbuster sales by the public -- or many sales at all, in fact. To rescue her household from bankruptcy after her ailing husband becomes obsessed with installing a swimming pool, Isobel swallows her pride and writes a sensational novel under a pseudonym and, with the help of her agent, some new clothes and a wig, adopts a completely new persona, Zelda Vere. With the success of her new book and personality, Isobel is tempted to become Zelda, who is far more sophisticated and exciting than dowdy old Isobel.

First, this is a terrible book. It’s impossible to even like Isobel, and you can see the train show more wreck coming from a mile away. The scenes in which Isobel and her agent take turns "playing" Zelda, in particular on the television program, are completely unbelievable. The ending boggles the mind. show less

hated it from star to finish! bizarre plot, unlikeable characters and a truly weird ending. Stick to what you do best Phillipa!

Bizarre!

Did not enjoy this book in the slightest totally different to her usual style of writing.

I read half or a third of this but just couldn't get into it at all. I love Philippa Gregory so that was why I picked it up.