16 ratings | 3 reviews | avg rating:4.94

Sophie’s Year In Books

Sophie’s 2024 Year in Books

Take a look at Sophie’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.

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Fernando González

453 books | 5,097 friends

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Sophie Haydock

Goodreads Author

Website

https://www.sophie-haydock.com/

Twitter

SophieHaydock

Genre

Historical Fiction

Member Since

August 2020

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/sophiehaydock

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Sophie Haydock is an award-winning author, journalist and curator with a passion for uncovering hidden treasures and shining a light on untold stories, particularly those of women in art.

Her debut novel, The Flames, brings to life the women who posed for the scandalous Viennese artist Egon Schiele – and the price they paid for their devotion. It won the Impress Prize for New Writers, was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown Award, and was named one of The Times’ Best Historical Fiction Books of 2022. Translated into seven languages, its Italian edition, Le Fiamme, won the prestigious Premio Letterario Edoardo Kihlgren in 2024.

Her second novel, Madame Matisse, shines a light on the women who shaped and defined the g Sophie Haydock is an award-winning author, journalist and curator with a passion for uncovering hidden treasures and shining a light on untold stories, particularly those of women in art.

Her debut novel, The Flames, brings to life the women who posed for the scandalous Viennese artist Egon Schiele – and the price they paid for their devotion. It won the Impress Prize for New Writers, was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown Award, and was named one of The Times’ Best Historical Fiction Books of 2022. Translated into seven languages, its Italian edition, Le Fiamme, won the prestigious Premio Letterario Edoardo Kihlgren in 2024.

Her second novel, Madame Matisse, shines a light on the women who shaped and defined the great French artist Henri Matisse, challenging the idea that history belongs only to men. At its heart is an explosive ultimatum – one that has never before been written about in fiction – that changed the lives of all involved, and the course of art history forever.

As curator of the Folkestone Book Festival, Sophie brings together bold and inspiring voices – from bestselling authors to emerging talent – to challenge, entertain, and celebrate the power of storytelling. She curates a thought-provoking programme that sparks conversation and fosters creativity, ensuring literature remains a vital force in the community.

As part of her role at Creative Folkestone, she also spearheads Folkestone is a Library, an ambitious campaign to keep books and reading at the heart of the town following the closure of its library. Through events, collaborations, and community initiatives, she works to ensure Folkestone remains a place where stories – and those who tell them – are valued and celebrated.

A seasoned journalist, Sophie has interviewed literary icons including Hilary Mantel, Bernardine Evaristo, Sally Rooney, Maggie O’Farrell and Amy Tan. Her writing has appeared in The Sunday Times, Financial Times, and The Guardian. She has worked behind the scenes of the Sunday Times Short Story Award and serves as Associate Director of the Word Factory, supporting emerging voices. She is also a judge for leading short story prizes, including the Bath Short Story Award and the Society of Authors' ALCS Tom-Gallon Trust Award. Her own short story, Mudlarks, was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2023.

Beyond writing, Sophie is an engaging speaker and interviewer. She has appeared at Hay, Cheltenham, and other major literary festivals, and has spoken at the National Gallery, Sotheby’s, and The Trouble Club. She frequently interviews authors at live events for Hatchards and Fane Productions.

Sophie is preparing for an Arctic Circle residency in May 2025, where she will research and write about survival, wreckage, and resilience in extreme conditions.

In her spare time, continuing her fascination with unearthing lost stories – both in fiction and in life – Sophie is a dedicated mudlark, scouring the River Thames for historical artefacts that reveal forgotten histories. She is also a marathon runner, taking on the world’s most iconic races, one at a time.

Her Instagram account, @egonschieleswomen, has gathered over 111,000 followers, where she shares her love of art, literature, and forgotten histories.

She loves connecting with readers – find her at sophie-haydock.com or chat with her directly on Skolay: skolay.com/writers/sophie-haydock ...more

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Combine Editions
Sophie Haydock’s books

Average rating: 3.98 · 3,120 ratings · 581 reviews · 3 distinct works • Similar authors

	The Flames 3.99 avg rating — 2,556 ratings — published 2022 — 20 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Madame Matisse 3.96 avg rating — 562 ratings — published 2025 — 8 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Red House Alley by Else Jerusalem, Stephanie G. Ortega (translator), Sophie Haydock (Goodreads Author) (foreword) 4.26 avg rating — 34 ratings — published 1908 — 16 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

* Note: these are all the books on Goodreads for this author. To add more, click here.

Sophie is Currently Reading

Sophie Haydock is currently reading

The Mirror & the Light (Thomas Cromwell, #3)

by Hilary Mantel

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Jun 27, 2024 10:22PM

Sophie Haydock rated a book it was amazing

The Ministry of Time

by Kaliane Bradley

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Aug 27, 2025 07:51AM

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Sophie’s Recent Updates

Sophie Haydock rated a book it was amazing The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Aug 27, 2025 07:51AM · 1 like · like
Sophie Haydock rated a book it was amazing Red House Alley by Else Jerusalem	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Red House Alley by Else Jerusalem, first published in 1909, is an unflinching, feminist masterpiece that demands to be read and remembered. Set in a Viennese brothel at the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the novel follows Milada, a woman navi ...more
Jan 20, 2025 05:53AM · 2 likes · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Red House Alley by Else Jerusalem. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Red House Alley by Else Jerusalem <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Sophie Haydock wants to read The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jan 16, 2025 11:15PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Sophie Haydock wants to read The Sirens by Emilia Hart (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jan 16, 2025 10:15PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Sirens by Emilia Hart. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Sirens by Emilia Hart <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Sophie Haydock wants to read The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jan 16, 2025 10:15PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Sophie Haydock rated a book it was amazing The Expedition by Bea Uusma	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 22, 2024 03:18AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Expedition by Bea Uusma. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Expedition by Bea Uusma <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Sophie Haydock finished reading Mrs. March by Virginia Feito	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 17, 2024 11:11AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Mrs. March by Virginia Feito. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Mrs. March by Virginia Feito <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Sophie Haydock has read The Party by Tessa Hadley	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Nov 28, 2024 08:17AM · like
Sophie Haydock rated a book it was amazing The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Nov 28, 2024 08:15AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Sophie Haydock rated a book it was amazing Heart, Be at Peace by Donal Ryan	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Aug 26, 2024 11:49PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Heart, Be at Peace by Donal Ryan. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Heart, Be at Peace by Donal Ryan <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">

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Quotes by Sophie Haydock (?)

“It’s quite a battle the two of you have chosen to undertake. Against religion. Against society. You’ve lost the approval of upstanding people. It doesn’t bother you to forfeit order and conformity?’ The priest does not take his eyes from Vally. ‘I’m a simple man,”
― Sophie Haydock, The Flames

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“She can’t shake the feeling that it’s a punishment for her actions, a curse.”
― Sophie Haydock, The Flames

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“I have no idea how love is supposed to feel.’ ‘It’s meant to feel warm, and safe. It’s meant to feel as if we have all the time in the world and we only want to spend it with each other.”
― Sophie Haydock, The Flames

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