Primary school teacher launches her first novel (From Harrow Times)

Kenmore Park Infant School teacher Elizabeth Glanville launches her first novel Imaginist

10:26am Friday 25th January 2013 in News By Emma Innes

A Harrow primary school teacher is preparing to launch her first novel next month.

Elizabeth Glanville, a part time supply teacher at Kenmore Park Infant School, in Moorhouse Road, will be launching The Imaginist in Camden on February 21.

Ms Glanville, 28, started writing in 2008 and produced two novels, which she has since shelved, before starting The Imaginist at the end of 2009.

She wrote it while also teaching and studying for an MA in psychotherapy and counselling.

The Imaginist, which was long listed for the inaugural Sony Reader Award in collaboration with The Dylan Thomas Prize, tells the story of Louise, who moves to London in search of a young professional lifestyle, but finds the realities of life harsher than she expected.

Louise's enthusiasm starts to falter and she seeks solace in her daydreams.

However, the line between reality and fantasy starts to blur and she finds herself on the precipice between the two, with the pull towards idealism becoming just too strong to ignore.

Ryan, meanwhile, has high hopes from life, but when things don't turn out as expected it becomes a struggle to keep face.

As the gulf between real life and that which he portrays to others widens Ryan sinks deeper into despair and isolation, resorting to drastic measures just to cope before fleeing across the Channel to start a new life in France.

The book tells the tale of their struggles to survive in London and Paris.

Miss Glanville, who lives in Willesden, said: “It was always at the back of my mind to write a novel.

“I loved writing as a child and I have always enjoyed doing it.

“I absolutely loved writing this book. There were times when it became a bit obsessional, it was almost addictive.”

She added: “I hope I have another one in me. I have a few ideas but I want to work on properly publicising this one first.”

The self published book will be launched at 4 Crowndale Road, Camden, from 7pm on February 21.