Harriett Gilbert, a prolific author and academic, embarked on her literary journey in her early twenties. Freshly graduated from drama college, she had just completed a tour of England’s primary schools, performing in an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, in which she portrayed the Mother Elephant. The bleak winter season offered her only a minor role in an unpaid Agatha Christie one-act play. Consequently, she found herself drawn towards the allure of authorship, armed with her Olivetti portable typewriter.
Over the years, Gilbert has contributed significantly to the literary world, with six published novels to her credit, including notable works such as Hotels with Empty Rooms and The Riding Mistress. In 2004, she further extended her influence in the field of literature by establishing the MA in Creative Writing (Novels) at City University London, where she served as the course director for four years.
Gilbert’s literary prowess can be traced back to her familial roots, which are deeply embedded in the world of writing. Her father, Michael Gilbert, was a renowned crime novelist, while her paternal grandfather, Bernard Gilbert, was a multifaceted writer, dabbling in poetry, novel writing, and playwriting. Her paternal grandmother, Berwyn Cuthbert, was a journalist, and her younger brother, Gerard Gilbert, continues the family tradition as a journalist.
In addition to her novel writing, Gilbert has had a long-standing relationship with the press. She spent many years reviewing books and writing about authors for Time Out magazine before assuming the role of literary editor at the New Statesman. Her non-fiction contributions encompass a range of topics, including journalism, feminism, and sexuality.
Since the early 1990s, Gilbert has been a prominent figure in the broadcasting world, presenting arts programmes for the BBC. She currently hosts A Good Read and the daily arts programme for the World Service, The Strand. Additionally, she presents the monthly BBC World Book Club, where she has interviewed over a hundred distinguished guests, ranging from Nobel Laureates such as Doris Lessing, Günter Grass, and Toni Morrison, to popular bestsellers including Henning Mankell, Terry Pratchett, and PD James.
Gilbert resides in London with her husband, the esteemed painter Robin Hazlewood. Her life and career serve as a testament to her passion for literature and the arts, and her contributions continue to enrich the global literary landscape.
