"They range from the usual 'It's my favourite book, ' and 'I love Darcy, ' to 'This book has saved me at times of great trial, ' she says, adding: "Austen was even prescribed to soldiers in World War I, to help them get over shell shock.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Among my favourite parts of the book is Mr Mehta's early life in London in the swinging sixties as a callow young man, who arrives from India with a few shillings and bags of Indian tea.

BBC: Vinod Mehta memoir a rare and salacious Indian tell-all

The Foundling Museum in London is my favourite museum and it's been inspirational for me because I've just written a book about a Victorian foundling child called Hetty Feather.

BBC: Last Updated: Thursday October 08 2009 15:19 GMT