Rosa Rankin-Gee Explores Youth in Debut Novel

Rankin-Gee, who is 26 and the daughter of novelist Maggie Gee, described Sark as a fitting backdrop for the story's themes. "Like any island, it's a smaller, intense microcosm of the world," she said. The setting complements the novel's nostalgic tone, which highlights the last summer of childhood filled with innocence and brightness. The characters, particularly Pip, avoid confronting adulthood, choosing instead to focus on their bonds with one another.

Originally conceived as a novella, Rankin-Gee began writing The Last Kings of Sark shortly after graduating from university while working as a receptionist in Paris. The novella won the Shakespeare and Company prize in 2011, prompting her to expand the story and explore the characters' lives in more depth.

Having grown up with a pragmatic outlook on writing, Rankin-Gee spent her teenage years working weekends at the independent bookshop Queen's Park Books in London, which she enjoyed for its friendly atmosphere. The character of Sofi draws inspiration from the diverse girls she encountered in north-west London and is described as her favorite character.

Much of the novel reflects Rankin-Gee's personal experiences, emphasizing her observational approach during her time on Sark. "I was definitely watching the world and trying to work out how to change it into a sentence," she explained. Regarding friendships, she noted, "like the main characters, I'm an only child, so my friends are my great love."

When asked about her next project, she expressed that the process might be more challenging, anticipating a greater sense of self-consciousness in crafting her second novel.