Ann
asked
Jacqueline Winspear:
You have said you are interested in the period from about 1913 to 1954. What interests you about the post World War II years?
Jacqueline Winspear
Ann, probably what interests me is that most people said there was far more to endure than during the war. Rationing became more difficult for a while, due to the fact that so much food was being diverted to Germany, as the people were starving. There were bomb sites throughout the cities - and some of London's last bomb sites were only dealt with when building commenced for the 2012 Olympics. Housing stock was diminished and a pall hung over the cities in particular. Many children who had been evacuated during the war experienced a difficult time assimilating to life as they grew to maturity, for example. No wonder so many people emigrated to Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc., during the post-war years. They were not easy times, despite the fact that Prime Minister Harold MacMillan said in a 1957 speech, "You never had it so good."
More Answered Questions
Lindy MacLaine
asked
Jacqueline Winspear:
I'm a huge Maisie Hobbs fan—I have so much respect for you as the author! When I talk about the books to others, I tell them what attracts me most; what I consider the "spiritual nature" of the books. I mean the way Maisie's cases always have an aspect that teaches her about her own life and how she needs to grow. I never see this mentioned in other reviews. I wonder if you would identify the quality that way, or not?
Barbara H.
asked
Jacqueline Winspear:
What inspired you to write the Maisie Dobbs series? Is Maisie modeled after somebody that you have known? The way in which your characters continue to develop in each new book is really what makes them so compelling. Are they representative of people that you know are simply characters that you have created out of thin air?!
Sharon
asked
Jacqueline Winspear:
Having only read two Maisie books so far, I enjoy her and the mysteries she solves. But I also really enjoy how she has studied body language and is somewhat metaphysical. I love that she solves the mysteries just by listening and being open to other people and experiences. My question is how did you decide to form her that way? I think it is very interesting and unusual. Thank you for your work.
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