Description

 The Joyce Girl

James Joyce was her Father. Samuel Beckett was her lover. This is her story.

In the enchanting world of 1920s Paris, where art, music, and literature intertwine, Lucia Joyce, the daughter of the renowned James Joyce, captivates the hearts of those who witness her rhythmic dancing. The Paris Times, in its November 1928 review, showers Lucia with praise, predicting that her talent may one day overshadow her father’s legacy.

Surrounded by admirers and fellow artists, the Joyce family’s Parisian home becomes a hub of creativity and intellectual discourse. Among the visitors is Samuel Beckett, a tall and thin young man who idolizes James Joyce and finds himself irresistibly drawn to Lucia.

Lucia’s passion for dance is matched only by her determination to excel. She dedicates herself to rigorous training under the guidance of the world’s finest teachers. While her father revels in her talent, Lucia’s relationship with her mother, Nora, becomes strained. As her romance with Beckett takes a turn for the worse, Lucia’s dreams begin to unravel, leaving her yearning for a life beyond the shadow of her father’s fame.

In a desperate attempt to understand and help his daughter, James Joyce sends Lucia to the pioneering psychoanalyst Carl Jung. It is here that Lucia finally finds a platform to share her own story, a tale of ambition thwarted, creativity ignited, and the profound impact of love, both inspiring and destructive. The Joyce Girl delves into the depths of Lucia’s troubled mind, painting a poignant portrait of a woman caught between her desires and the weight of her father’s legacy.

This poignant and evocative debut novel by Annabel Abbs offers a glimpse into the life of Lucia Joyce, a woman whose dreams were shattered by the constraints of her time and the overwhelming influence of her father. It explores the complexities of familial relationships, the pursuit of artistic expression, and the profound impact of love on one’s life. The Joyce Girl is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of storytelling.

About The Author

Annabel Abbs has had a diverse upbringing, having lived in various locations such as Wales, Sussex, Dorset, Bristol, and Hereford. She pursued her passion for literature by obtaining a degree in English Literature from the University of East Anglia and later went on to earn a Masters in Marketing from the University of Kingston.

Despite a successful career in consultancy spanning fifteen years, Abbs decided to take a break to focus on raising her four children. However, her love for literature eventually drew her back, leading her to write her debut novel, The Joyce Girl. This novel received critical acclaim, winning both the 2015 Impress Prize for New Writing and the 2015 Spotlight First Novel Award. It was also longlisted for the 2015 Caledonia Novel Award and the 2015 Bath Novel Award.

Abbs’ talent extends beyond novels, as her short stories and journalism have been published in esteemed publications such as Mslexia, The Guardian, The Irish Times, Weekend Australian Review, Elle, The Author, The Daily Telegraph, Psychologies, and the Huffington Post. Her achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she has been featured in various magazines including Writing Magazine, Sussex Life, Next NZ, Litro, and Female First. Additionally, her blog, www.kaleandcocoa.com, gained recognition when it was featured in the Daily Telegraph in August 2015 and May 2016.

REVIEWS

“Abbs has found a gripping and little-known story at the heart of one of the 20th century’s most astonishing creative moments, researched it deeply, and brought the extraordinary Joyce family and their circle in 1920s Paris to richly-imagined life.” — Emma Darwin, bestselling author of A Secret Alchemy and The Mathematics of Love

“Annabel Abb’s novel about James Joyce’s daughter is an unforgettable and daring look at a time and place when everything seems possible…This is a rich, gorgeous novel of the Jazz Age and a woman’s struggle to escape the boundaries imposed by the men in her life. A must-read!” — Jeanne Mackin, acclaimed author of The Last Collection, A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel

“A captivating debut about love, creativity, and living in the shadow of a genius. Abbs recreates the extraordinary story of Lucia—James Joyce’s daughter and gifted dancer in her own right —in language as sensuous and richly alive as Lucia’s dancing.” — Louisa Treger, author of The Dragon Lady and The Lodger

“A mesmerizing story with characters that leap off the page. Brilliantly written and so authentically imagined it left me wiping my tears…A masterpiece!” — Lyn G. Farrell, award-winning author of The Wacky Man

“Annabel Abbs weaves a powerful, spellbinding and illuminating story of a woman who has been, until now, relegated to a historical footnote.” — Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity Project

“Here is a powerful portrait of a young woman yearning to be an artist, whose passion for life—and rage at being unable to fulfill her talent—burns from the pages.” — Observer (UK)

“This intimate and splendid novel must top my recommendations as the best twenty-century fiction of the year.” — Historical Novel Society

“One of those hidden gems of a novel…both sad and enthralling.” — New Books (UK)

“A haunting piece of historical fiction.” — The Mitford Society