John Purcell

"Literature is life's cheat sheet"

While still in his twenties, John Purcell opened a second-hand bookshop - imaginatively called 'John's Bookshop' - in which he sat for ten years reading, ranting and writing. Since then he has written (under a pseudonym) a series of successful novels, and as part of his previous role as Director of Books at Booktopia, interviewed hundreds of writers about their work. John has also appeared at literary festivals and on TV, and been featured in prominent newspapers and magazines. His first novel, The Girl on the Page (HarperCollins, 2018), was a bestseller, and a film adaptation is in the works. He lives in the English countryside with his wife, three dogs, four cats and his overlarge book collection.

What books has John Purcell written?

His best known novels include The Girl on the Page (his debut novel, 2018) and The Lessons. He has also written earlier novels under a pseudonym. His work is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.

What genre or themes does John Purcell write about?

He writes contemporary fiction with a strong literary focus. His novels often draw on his experience in bookselling and publishing and explore books, writing and the lives of writers.

Do John Purcell's books need to be read in a specific order?

No. His novels are standalone works. A common starting point is his debut, The Girl on the Page, followed by The Lessons if you want to continue with his more recent work.

Has The Girl on the Page been adapted for film or television?

Yes. The Girl on the Page was a bestseller and a film adaptation is reported to be in the works.

Has John Purcell won any major literary awards?

He is a bestselling author and has received notable recognition through media appearances and festival events, but no specific major literary awards are listed for his novels in the available information.