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Taylor Swift has long been a source of inspiration for numerous artists, affectionately referred to as her “Taydaughters.” However, her influence extends beyond just those who write music. Emily Henry, the author of the newly released novel Great Big Beautiful Life, recently discussed how Swift’s music significantly impacted her latest work.
A Connection to Folklore
Great Big Beautiful Life centers on two writers competing to create a biography of the elusive Margaret Ives, a heiress who has remained out of the public eye for decades. Described as a “former tabloid princess,” Margaret’s family was among the most notable lineages of the 20th century.
To develop this captivating character, Henry took inspiration from Swift’s song “The Last Great American Dynasty” from the album Folklore, which tells the story of Rebekah Harkness. In an interview with E!, she expressed her admiration for the song and the narrative it conveys, mentioning her penchant for reading Harkness’s story on Wikipedia. “Larger-than-life families always intrigue me,” she remarked.
Henry also noted other historical inspirations for her work, including figures such as Princess Diana, the Kennedys, and the Hearsts, who all contribute to the novel’s rich tapestry of influences.
Henry’s Swiftie Heart
For those familiar with Henry’s career, her admiration for Taylor Swift’s music is well-known. The bestselling author has previously linked her books to Swift’s albums, categorizing Book Lovers with 1989, People We Meet on Vacation with Lover, Beach Read with Folklore, Happy Place with Red, and Funny Story with both The Tortured Poets Department and Midnights.
Henry’s writing style mirrors Swift’s own talent for embedding Easter eggs into her work. She hinted that Happy Place features a subtle nod to Book Lovers. Moreover, Henry articulated how Swift’s lyrical themes resonate deeply with her. “Swift’s lyrics emphasize intense emotions, nostalgia, and longing,” she told Rolling Stone in a 2023 interview. She observed a resurgence in the literary world towards sincerity and heartfelt themes, moving away from a period dominated by irony.
Swift has famously encouraged her audience to embrace their passions, stating, “The worst kind of person is someone who makes someone feel bad, dumb, or stupid for being excited about something.” It appears that Great Big Beautiful Life is another manifestation of Henry channeling her admiration for Swift’s artistry into her narratives.
Source
www.bustle.com