Novelist Margot Livesey is considered to be a writer’s writer. But if bestseller lists and book sales are any indication, she’s better known as a reader’s writer. On March 29, she’ll be at the Duxbury Free Library to share her latest book, ‘The Flight of Gemma Hardy.’

“She’s a national and international star, and we’re thrilled to have her come to Duxbury,” said library director, Carol Jankowski. “She’s going to have a lively, large crowd and people should get their tickets soon.” No doubt. With her eighth book, Livesey may have written her most personal novel since ‘Eva Moves the Furniture,’ an homage to her mother who died when Livesey was a young girl. ‘Gemma Hardy’ is a reimagining of the classic ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Bronte. As much as it is an homage to one of the most beloved books in literature, it also mirrors her own childhood growing up in Scotland where, motherless, she was sent to a harsh boarding school and felt desperately alone in the world. Even so, weren’t there tremendous risks in taking on such a beloved classic?

“When I started the book, I was aware of the risks, the pressure of following in Bronte’s footsteps,” said Livesey. “When I sent the manuscript into the publisher, I didn’t even mention ‘Jane Eyre.’ I think writing any book is a risk.”

Livesey said each book is its own beast. That may be hard to believe of Livesey considering she teaches writing at Emerson College and has received such prestigious awards as the PEN LL Winship in 2009 for her last novel ‘The House of Fortune Street.’

“I think this is my seventh novel,” said Livesey, laughing at her own uncertainty. “The process varies radically each time. I wrote one novel – ‘Eva’ – over 12 years. I needed to learn how to write it.”

When not writing, teaching or on book tour, Livesey can often be found guiding new writers. She’s known in the writing community as one of the most generous people in the business in terms of giving her time and encouragement.

“She’s an angel on earth,” said Chris Castellani, creative director at Grub Street, Boston’s only independent writing center, where Livesey is known for donating her energies. “She’s one of the most, if not the most, elegant writers at work today. Margot’s the perfect mix of a contemporary writer with a contemporary sensibility, but the soul of a 19th century writer. That’s what gives her work magic.”

Livesey’s editor at Harper Collins agrees. It’s what keeps readers buying her books – publishers, too.

“Margot’s a wonderful, original storyteller who writes unexpected stories in luminous, singular prose,” said Jennifer Barth, vice-president and executive editor at Harper Books. “And she is generous to her characters, and to readers.”

It’s well known in publishing circles that Duxbury is home to a literate community of vociferous readers with engaging book clubs. Livesey said she’s looking forward to coming to town and meeting with such like-minded people who love books as much as she does.

“Like most writers, I spend a lot of time alone,” said Livesey. “Meeting readers in person or on the page is a true pleasure.”