Adele
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
My book club spent over an hour discussing the Lilac Girls yesterday. It lends itself well to a group discussion. We have a couple of questions one of which you answered below. Is Paul's character based on a true person? Although some of us felt Caroline had a more fulfilling life without him, some of us thought she may have been happier had she not brushed him off so harshly.
Martha Hall Kelly
Hi Adele,
Yes, their relationship is based on a real one Caroline had, but I added some of my own details.
I can see your point that Caroline would have been happier if she'd been more flexible and not brushed Paul off so harshly, but after losing her own father, she just couldn't leave another young woman fatherless. (He had suggested moving to the U.S. to be with Caroline.) And yes, she ended up having an incredibly happy, fulfilling life without him (though I like to think she has a relationship with him after the book ends.)
Yes, their relationship is based on a real one Caroline had, but I added some of my own details.
I can see your point that Caroline would have been happier if she'd been more flexible and not brushed Paul off so harshly, but after losing her own father, she just couldn't leave another young woman fatherless. (He had suggested moving to the U.S. to be with Caroline.) And yes, she ended up having an incredibly happy, fulfilling life without him (though I like to think she has a relationship with him after the book ends.)
More Answered Questions
Monica
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
It was an honor to meet you at the Dallas Barnes and Noble on 3/13., you were so approachable, witty and humble; It was obvious that you cared about the ladies in The Lilac Girls. If you could have a face to face conversation with one of your characters whom would you choose?
Joy Holden
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
Thank you so much for this novel. You have touched my soul and quickened my mind. Caroline is my spirit animal. You have also inspired me. I was a teacher for 11 years, and I've been working as an editor and writer at a local magazine for the past two years. I want to write a book so bad, and you have totally inspired me. Will you read a blog on my 2018 books? https://joymorrowholden.wordpress.com/the-bibliofiles/
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