Bethany Joy Lenz has unveiled her new novel, The Betrayal of Cora Wexford, published today by Simon & Schuster. For the book's cover, Lenz created a hand-painted portrait, a fitting detail given that the protagonist, Cora Wexford, is a 38-year-old artist in 1880s London, who earns her living painting the deceased. Cora's journey intertwines with the Jack the Ripper murders and a budding romance with Miles Vale, as she is commissioned to portray women whose deaths highlight societal neglect. Publishers Weekly describes the novel as a compelling dark tale for fans of historical fiction.
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In a conversation about her creative process, Lenz noted that her passion for painting and architecture played crucial roles in shaping the book. She expressed that painting allowed her to convey emotions through art, which she incorporated into Cora's character. Lenz stated that while she does not consider herself a highly skilled artist, the portrait successfully captures the feelings she wanted to evoke in readers.
The book explores the theme of making invisible women visible through art, as Lenz identified with feeling overlooked in society. She emphasized the importance of sharing stories that highlight the harm of isolation and discrimination.
Cora’s story raises questions about different forms of trauma, contrasting deaths caused by strangers with the enduring damage inflicted by loved ones. Lenz explained that her understanding of manipulation and coercion influenced the character dynamics between Cora and Miles.
Lenz also researched the dangerous beauty standards of the Victorian era, such as the use of arsenic in cosmetics and restrictive corsets. She portrayed Cora as a character who resists societal norms, while her friend Madeline embraces contemporary beauty trends. This dynamic serves to reflect the constraints placed on women and the lengthy historical context of these beauty standards.
In her podcast, Drama Queens, Lenz promotes healing through female friendship, which resonates with her narrative about the importance of women supporting each other. She urged that understanding how to be a supportive friend requires education, particularly in light of the manipulation many women face.
During the launch week for her novel, Lenz prioritizes self-care by focusing on hydration, sleep, and prayer. She mentioned that integrating spiritual practices has been a significant aspect of her self-care routine.
Reflecting on her past role as Haley James Scott, Lenz shared her favorite and least favorite fashion trends from that era. She expressed a fondness for low-rise jeans paired with crop tops, while criticizing unflattering long shirts that were a trend.
When asked about her beauty routine evolution, Lenz observed minimal changes. She prefers lightweight makeup and has adopted improved hair care practices, including techniques for rinsing conditioner.
If Cora Wexford were to enter a modern beauty store, Lenz believes she would first purchase makeup brushes, embodying her growth throughout the narrative.
This interview has been edited for clarity.