Eliza Graham is a highly accomplished historical and literary fiction author from the United Kingdom. She is known for her fascination with the way historical events impact families, which is often reflected in her works. Graham is an Oxfordshire-based writer who has written several adult novels, young adult novels, and, under the pen name Anna Lisle, a historical novel titled "Allegra."
Graham's novels have received significant recognition in the UK. They have been long-listed for the Richard & Judy Summer Book Club and short-listed for World Book Day's "Hidden Gem" competition. She has also been nominated for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction and the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. Graham's books have been successful both in Europe and the US, indicating her widespread appeal.
Graham has a particular interest in the 1930s and 1940s, a period that includes the Second World War and its aftermath. She has conducted extensive research on this era, visiting various locations such as bunkers in Brittany, decoy harbors in Cornwall, wartime radio studios in Bedfordshire, cemeteries in Szczecin, Poland, and other obscure research sites. Graham's passion for this time period likely stemmed from her early experiences with literature. She recalls reading Jean Plaidy novels behind textbooks in biology class and sitting at the front of the classroom in English and history lessons. Her love for books continued into adulthood, as she pursued an English Literature degree at Oxford University and worked in various jobs that allowed her to write and communicate with others.
Graham currently resides in an ancient village in the Oxfordshire countryside with her family. She enjoys reading, walking in the downland country around her home, and traveling around the world to research her novels. Although she has never managed to summon King Alfred by blowing into a perforated sarsen stone near her house, she continues to explore new ways to deepen her understanding of historical events and their impact on families.