Adele Parks, the 57-year-old author of 25 novels, has revealed in a new interview that she considers words, not her husband Jim, to be the greatest love of her life. Speaking to The Guardian, Parks also discussed her latest book, Eyes on You, her MBE for services to literature, and her belief that sex is important because it is about connection.
Career and Literary Achievements
Born in North Yorkshire, Parks studied English at the University of Leicester before working in advertising. In 2000, she published her debut novel, Playing Away, and has since written a book every year. Her work has been translated into 31 languages, and in 2022 she was awarded the MBE for services to literature.
Parks is an ambassador for charities promoting literacy, including the National Literacy Trust, which is collaborating with the Department for Education on the National Year of Reading 2026. She is married with a son and lives in Surrey.
Personal Reflections and Regrets
In the interview, Parks shared several personal insights. She described herself as enthusiastic, resilient, and empathetic, and said her most embarrassing moment occurred during an important meeting when she put her thumb in her mouth while concentrating. She also admitted to never having read any Salman Rushdie, and identified Taylor Swift as her celebrity crush because her lyrics are so thought-provoking.
When asked what she would change about her past, Parks said she would become fitter younger, adding, "Because I would have been hotter younger!" She also expressed a wish to apologize to an uncle who took his own life when she was in her 20s, saying she would like a second chance to tell him to "Hang in there."
Love, Connection, and Choices
On the subject of love, Parks said it feels like a mix of safety to be yourself, acceptance, a feeling of peace and reliance, but also challenge, whether intellectual or emotional. When asked about her greatest achievement, she cited how much her son loves her, particularly considering she has had a huge career.
Asked whether she would rather have more sex, money, or fame, Parks chose sex, explaining, "I really like sex and I think it's so important because it's about connection." She also noted that what keeps her awake at night are plots, and that her guiltiest pleasure is staying at home and playing Scrabble.
