Anna Woods' Debut Novel LIT: A Thriller Set in an Architectural Practice
Auckland-based author Anna Woods, known for her award-winning short fiction, has released her first thriller, LIT, via Echo Publishing. The narrative revolves around an architectural firm named LIT, which stands for its founders: Billy Lovelace, Gin Ishak, and Clary Taylor. The plot follows Gin, the story's narrator, and her partner Clary as they navigate the financial struggles of their practice while grappling with the enigmatic disappearance of Billy, Clary's former partner. Themes of deceit, fraud, and betrayal emerge, with suspects including investigative journalist April and Gin's friend Tama. Woods' unique style omits quotation marks for dialogue, which may pose a challenge for some readers, yet enhances clarity. Her vivid descriptions, such as 'My heart was froggish,' stand out. Although the villain's identity is somewhat predictable, a well-cast film adaptation could amplify the story's effect. Woods has been a finalist for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
Key facts
- Anna Woods' debut novel LIT is a thriller set in an architectural practice.
- The novel is published by Echo Publishing.
- LIT is an acronym for the founders' names: Billy Lovelace, Gin Ishak, and Clary Taylor.
- The story follows Gin and Clary as they run the practice and deal with Billy's disappearance.
- The plot involves lies, fraud, and betrayal.
- Woods omits quotation marks for dialogue in the novel.
- Woods has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
- The review suggests a screen adaptation could benefit from casting against type.
Entities
Artists
- Anna Woods
Institutions
- Echo Publishing
- Commonwealth Short Story Prize
Locations
- Auckland
- New Zealand