In 18th-century London, the differences in social classes were profound. That’s what made the friendship between Betsy, a servant, and Catherine, an aristocrat, so unusual. In fact, says Helen Gailey, author of the fittingly titled historical novel Betsy and Catherine: An Uncommon Friendship, Catherine’s peers “would look down on her if they knew she had a friendship with a servant.”
Gailey had more to say about her book and her background in this recent Q&A.
Q: You grew up in Victoria, Australia. How did your firsthand experiences living there influence this book?
A: I studied both Australian and English history during my formative years. Since then I have continued my studies in both English and Australian history. I was particularly impressed with the unfairness of 19th-century English law. I can relate to the English way of speech as my mother was English.
Q: What kind of additional research did you do while writing this book?
A: I have taken interest in my ancestry and visited Botany Bay (where the first English settlers landed in Australia) several times. I have visited some of the places where many of the English convicts were processed and where they lived.
Q: Who are some of your favorite authors and how have they influenced your work?
A: I enjoy the classics, the Jane Austin collection, the Bronte sisters, Philippa Gregory. In general, historical drama. I would like to follow in their writing ability.
Q: You also write short stories. What are some of the recurring themes you tend to gravitate toward?
A: I generally write about the 1800s and earlier. Nevertheless, I have written other stories such as “The Choral Cat Festival,” a humorous tale, “Des, My Lifelong Pal,” a tale of strong friendship between father and son, and “An English Coachman,” a short story set in the 1800s.
Q: What do you hope people take away from reading Betsy and Catherine?
A: How loyalty, love and sincere friendship prove true and have value no matter who we are.
Q: What’s your next project?
A: I have already started on my next book, a sequel to Betsy and Catherine.
Betsy and Catherine is available for purchase. Read our review of the book here.
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About Helen Gailey:
Helen Gailey attended the University of Ballarat where she completed a degree in Professional Writing and Editing. Over the course of several decades, she has written several stories, though this is her first book of this length. She has always had a passion for writing. She lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband. She is Australian by birth and has two adult sons and one grandson living in Australia.
