Victoria Bateman, an author and economic historian, recently shared insights into her current and favorite reading selections, as well as the books that influenced her early interest in literature. Bateman is currently reading Mishal Husain’s *Broken Threads*, a work that blends biography and history to explore the experiences of Husain’s four grandparents during the partition of India. Bateman praised the book for its emotional depth and narrative quality, highlighting its ability to engage readers much like a compelling novel.

When asked what books she would take to a desert island, Bateman expressed a preference for the works of Jane Austen, citing their wit and entertainment value. She singled out *Persuasion*, noting a personal connection as the eldest of three sisters. Austen’s detailed portrayals of sisterly relationships and rural life, according to Bateman, evoke a sense of home and familiarity. As someone who has worked as a historical consultant on period dramas, advising on details such as the introduction of electric lighting and period-appropriate household items, Bateman admitted that reading classic literature purely for pleasure offers a welcome change from a professional perspective.

Reflecting on what first inspired her to read, Bateman recalled the formative impact of Roald Dahl’s *Matilda*, a story about a young girl with magical powers. She also mentioned her fondness for *The Worst Witch* series by Jill Murphy, noting their role as predecessors to the Harry Potter phenomenon. Bateman’s childhood experiences in Oldham included a fascination with books set in girls’ boarding schools, which offered an enticing world of midnight feasts and carefree mischief.

Bateman also shared a critical view of Karl Marx’s *Das Kapital*, describing it as “one of the most sexist books” she has encountered. She argued that many economic texts have historically overlooked the central role women play in economic development. This gap in the literature motivated her to write *Economica*, an economic history explicitly centered on women’s contributions. Published by Headline, *Economica* is now available in paperback.