Diane Connell
'Diane Connell is a force to be reckoned with.'
GOOD READING MAGAZINE
‘A writer intrigued by life on the outside.’ THE INDEPENDENT
DIANE CONNELL was born and educated in New Zealand and has lived and worked in Japan, France and the UK. She began her writing career in a newspaper office in Tokyo before becoming an advertising copywriter and writing for the international non-profit sector. For many years she lived in Paris, where she began writing as a novelist. She later moved to London, where her first two books, Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar and Sherry Cracker Gets Normal, were published under the name of D.J. Connell. She now lives in Sydney.
Diane Connell's latest novel The Improbable Life of Ricky Bird was published by Simon & Schuster in May 2022.
Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize in the UK. Optioned by Sarah Radclyffe Productions and Macgowan Films, the novel was adapted for screen by Mark Herman, Jonathan Entwistle and Rachel Hirons. Now in pre-production, the film will be directed by M.J. Delaney.
Diane Connell is a regular contributor on BBC London Radio and is a former recipient of an Arts Council England grant.
She is represented by Jane Novak Literary Agency.
The Improbable Life of Ricky Bird is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers with its warmth, depth and brilliant young protagonist. This is a novel that will leave a smile on your face, as well as tears. BETTER READING
'Gritty and raw, tender and heartbreaking, this is a beautifully written tale of an ordinary family and the fierce girl at its heart who will stay with you long after the last page is turned and the last tear has dried.'
Review, DAILY TELEGRAPH, HERALD SUN, COURIER MAIL
'The Improbable Life of Ricky Bird has been compared to Curious Incident and Shuggie Bain, and it’s true that Diane Connell lends unique voice to a child struggling to make sense of an adult world.'
Spectrum, THE AGE, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, BRISBANE TIMES
'Mesmerising from the opening lines, often funny, and frequently heartbreaking ... Suspend your disbelief; prepare to weep.'
NEW ZEALAND LISTENER, Top 50, 2022
'Prepare to fall in love ... This is a heart-churning, sob-inducing novel with equal shades of dark and light in the vein of Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine; you will race through the pages, just itching to jump in and befriend (and protect) the most singular Ricky Bird.'
COAST MAGAZINE
An unusual and wonderful book.'
SUNDAY MAGAZINE