Taylor Jenkins Reid
New York Times bestselling author of Malibu Rising and Carrie Soto is Back
Lara Prescott
Bestselling author of The Secrets We Kept
Photo credit: Trevor Paulhus
Lara Prescott's debut novel, The Secrets We Kept, is a thrilling tale of secretaries, spies, and sacrifice inspired by the true story of the CIA plot to infiltrate Soviet Russia—not with tanks and guns, but with the greatest love story of all time: Doctor Zhivago. An exciting new voice in historical fiction, Prescott's dynamic speeches aimed at literary audiences touch on how powerful storytelling can bring the past to life.
-
About Lara Prescott
Lara Prescott’s debut novel, The Secrets We Kept, made a huge splash on the literary scene, with the remarkable buzz generated by a first-time author serving as a true testament to Prescott’s talents and her powerful work. Equal parts history, love story, and Cold War thriller, The Secrets We Kept is based on the astonishing true story of the CIA’s audacious infiltration of Russian hearts and minds through the literary classic, Doctor Zhivago. The Secrets We Kept has been optioned for film and will be published in 28 languages.
In talks for audiences at universities, libraries, historical societies, museums, and more, Prescott discusses her writing process, how budding authors can find their voices, and her painstaking but powerful work of historical fiction. Building on her research for The Secrets We Kept, she also takes audiences into a deep dive of the secret history and cultural impact of Doctor Zhivago.
Lara Prescott received her MFA from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas, Austin. Previously, she was an animal protection advocate and a political campaign operative. Her writing has appeared in The Southern Review, The Hudson Review, Crazyhorse, Tin House, and Day One. She is the recipient of the Crazyhorse Fiction Prize, the Fania Kruger Fellowship, and the Michener Center for Writers Fellowship, as well as an Pushcart Prize Honorable Mention. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and cats.
Contact us for more information about booking Lara Prescott for your next event.
-
Speaking Topics
The Secret Life of Doctor Zhivago
From banned book to CIA weapon to Hollywood film, Lara Prescott illuminates the secret history and lasting cultural impact of Boris Pasternak’s masterpiece Doctor Zhivago. She also takes a deeper dive into the text of Doctor Zhivago , discussing themes, plot, structure, character development, imagery, the limits of translation, and the poems which conclude the novel. Prescott raises important questions on the text and its role in the canon: To what purpose was this novel banned? Does literature still have the power to change the world?
Finding the Voice
What makes a work of fiction stand out? What makes you keep turning the page? What makes a character stay with you long after the story has ended? The answer, in part, is voice. You may have heard writers, agents, and editors talk about the importance of voice before, but what is it exactly? And how do writers find the best voice for the story they're telling? In this talk, Lara Prescott uses a combination of class discussion, close readings, and writing/revision exercises to give your manuscript new power and urgency through voice.
Writing Historical Fiction
How does one begin to write about the past, whether it’s the Cold War or the fall of the Ming Dynasty? Do you research before you put pen to paper or as the story develops? And is too much research ever a hindrance? In this discussion, Lara Prescott shares the research process for her book, The Secrets We Kept, and how she found a way to give new light to a historical event. From reading declassified CIA documents to obtaining genuine artifacts to traveling to Moscow, London, Paris, and D.C., Prescott discusses what worked best for her as well as missteps along the way.
-
Video
-
Praise for Lara Prescott
It was so great! Lara was amazing, and it was actually really nice to see her in her ‘writing shed’ even though she couldn’t be with us in person. I have heard nothing but great things from attendees. A huge success on our end!
— Darien LibraryLara’s visit to Pasadena Public Library was a huge success. Lara was extremely engaging with all attendees at Pasadena City College and Pasadena Public Library, including high school students, community members, avid book group members and library users. Her two presentations were captivating, professional and in keeping with the spirit of ONE CITY, ONE STORY – a community read designed to engage, inspire, and connect people. Her thoughtful responses drew the community into her thrilling tale of espionage, history, and love.
— Pasadena Public LibraryPraise for The Secrets We Kept
A whirlwind of storytelling. In Prescott’s supremely talented hands, the result is no less than endlessly fascinating, often deliciously fun as well as heartbreaking. The Secrets We Kept is a dazzling, beguiling debut.
— BookPage (starred review)A page-turner that is at once a spy thriller, historical fiction and heartfelt romance...A thumping good story.
— The Columbus DispatchPrescott crafts a cloak-and-dagger story of passion, espionage, and propaganda.
— The Wall Street JournalA gorgeous and romantic feast of a novel anchored by a cast of indelible secretaries.
— The New York TimesDelightful... An intriguing and little-known chapter of literary history is brought to life with brio.
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Through lucid images and vibrant storytelling, Prescott creates an edgy postfeminist vision of the Cold War, encompassing Sputnik to glasnost, typing pool to gulag, for a smart, lively page-turner. This debut shines as spy story, publication thriller, and historical romance with a twist.
— Publisher's Weekly (starred review)One of the most unique and devastating novels [I have] read in years.
— Deb Olin Unferth, author of Minor RobberiesA first-rate novel, and it signals the arrival of a major new writer.
— Bret Anthony Johnston, author of Remember Me Like ThisProvocative, haunting and a damn good read.
— H.W. Brands, author of The First AmericanStylish, thrilling, smart, vivid.
— Elizabeth McCracken, author of Thunderstruck & Other StoriesEpic in scope, deliciously meaty, and utterly convincing.
— Ben Fountain, author of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk -
Books by Lara Prescott
-
Media About Lara Prescott
Request Fees
and Availability
- 212 572-2013
- Lara Prescott travels from New Hampshire
Featured Title
The Secrets We Kept
“The Secrets We Kept is simply sensational. Two gripping narratives unfold in the pressure cooker of the Cold War: passionate, courageous Olga who stands in the shadow of Soviet author Boris Pasternak yet inspires him to write a heroine for the ages, and the cynical, equally-overshadowed women of the CIA who help bring Pasternak’s masterpiece Dr. Zhivago to bear as a weapon against Soviet oppression. From the gulags of the USSR to the cherry trees of Washington DC, the story grips and refuses to let go. Lara Prescott is a star in the making.”
—Kate Quinn, New York Times Bestselling author of The Huntress and The Alice Network
Similar Speakers
Celeste Ng
Author of the New York Times bestseller Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere
Ariel Lawhon
Critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction