Thursday 25 March 2021

Interview with author Irene Husk




(1) What inspired you to write this book?
I have always wanted to write stories and I have often theorized that Jack the Ripper was female as she would easily have been able to slip in and out of the darkness, unsuspected and under the cover of perhaps a lady of the night herself. I also have a morbid interest in what it is, that can make humans become so cruel to others and why. The ripper story is intriguing as it has never been solved, despite the efforts of many intelligent and forthright individuals. Throughout the years there has been so much speculation and guesswork that it has managed to colour any feasible evidence and investigative ideaology. Now there is nothing left for modern day Ripperologists to perceive as real evidence. 

(2) How come the myth that Jack the Ripper might be a woman, refuses to go away? I honestly don’t think it’s too far-fetched to consider that Jack the Ripper might have been a woman. The myth that the ripper may have been a woman will probably never go away, as it has to be taken into consideration that although great strength and callousness were imperative traits in order to commit the murders, we all know how strong and resilient women can be. Speed and camouflage could be used just as effectively as brute strength and we all know the old saying about a woman scorned! There have been many female serial killers convicted throughout history, for example, Mary Ann Cotton, Myra Hindley and Rose West to name just a few. There are those that scoff at the idea of a female Ripper but I don’t believe it should ever be ruled out. 

(3) Which actress would be a good lead to play the Ripper? I think the perfect actress would be Morven Christie who recently starred in The Bay, she has the ability to look extremely elegant but can also portray a woman with a temper and a cool calm exterior, I think she would be really appropriate for the role rather than using a glossy well known actress. 

 (4) What do you think of Whitechapel these days? I think that Whitechapel will continue to be shadowed by its worldwide reputation for being the location of so many unsolved and heinous murders and I believe that the network of streets will always hold on to its unique fame. The area has moved on and is now a much nicer place to visit but the Ripper’s rule will never be forgotten. 

 (5) Will we ever find out who the Ripper was? I believe that the Ripper will forever remain a phantom and he or she is an enigma that will hold the interest of many for the duration.

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