Bella Mackie: Americans romanticise posh Brits

Bella Mackie is an author who has recently released a new book titled What A Way To Go. This book takes a humorous yet dark look at the lives of the wealthy and society's fascination with death. Bella is already well-known for her first novel, How To Kill Your Family, which gained a lot of attention and success. In her latest work, she explores the theme of class in British society, stating that British people are very interested in class distinctions but do not focus as much on money itself. The story features two main characters, Anthony Wistern, a millionaire, and his wife Olivia. Their relationship is filled with tension as Anthony's working-class background often clashes with Olivia's upper-class upbringing. Bella explains that the structure of British society remains largely unchanged, making it difficult for individuals to move between social classes. She believes that this understanding of class is something that is not as prevalent in other countries. Bella describes the wealthy individuals in her book as 'ghost citizens' because they are often hidden from view and difficult to understand. She notes that while there have always been extremely rich people, there is now a new type of wealthy individual who seems to operate outside the usual societal rules. Bella tries to imagine what their lives are like since they are not easily visible to the public. Another significant aspect of the book is its true-crime element, where a local journalist investigates whether Anthony's death should be classified as murder. Bella, who has a background in journalism, was inspired by real events, particularly a case in Lancashire where a woman went missing. The public's reaction on social media was overwhelming, with many people speculating about her death and spreading misinformation. Bella was taken aback by how boundaries have shifted in what people consider acceptable behavior online, such as contacting a victim's family or making accusations without evidence. Bella's first novel is currently being adapted into an eight-part series by Netflix. This book, which sold over a million copies, follows the story of Grace, who seeks revenge on her wealthy family. Bella is curious to see how her book will be transformed for the screen, especially after the success of the film Saltburn, which also examines class structures in British society. She believes that American audiences may not fully grasp the darker elements of British life, even though they enjoy shows like Downton Abbey. Bella feels that there is a tendency among Americans to romanticize the lives of wealthy British people, viewing them as glamorous and perfect. She hopes that the adaptation of her book will remain true to its British humor, as she believes that much of the comedy is distinctly British. Although she has not been involved in the screenwriting process, Bella expresses confidence in the production company, Sid Gentle Films, known for their work on Killing Eve. She trusts that the British and Irish writers will strive to keep the adaptation authentic, as it is important to portray the true nature of British society, which many find amusing.