Edward
asked
Mary Doria Russell:
Just read A Thread of Grace. How difficult was it to write this book?
Mary Doria Russell
That was a tough one. Seven years of research and writing, interviews with refugees, soldiers, rabbis, priests, etc. Three trips to Europe (in November, because it was cheaper).
Those were also the most challenging (which is to say sucky) years of my life so far. Three close relatives dying of awful diseases, much turbulence in the lives of my husband and son, and my own personal menopause. I used to fantasize about having a nice little heart attack of my own so I could just rest and not have to take care of everything and eveyone else around me.
In the end, though, I think A Thread of Grace brought an important story to a lot of readers. The reaction from the children of WWII partisans and refugees has been especially gratifying. They've written to me to say they never really understood why their parents acted the way they did, and Claudette's story gave them context for their own childhoods.
Those were also the most challenging (which is to say sucky) years of my life so far. Three close relatives dying of awful diseases, much turbulence in the lives of my husband and son, and my own personal menopause. I used to fantasize about having a nice little heart attack of my own so I could just rest and not have to take care of everything and eveyone else around me.
In the end, though, I think A Thread of Grace brought an important story to a lot of readers. The reaction from the children of WWII partisans and refugees has been especially gratifying. They've written to me to say they never really understood why their parents acted the way they did, and Claudette's story gave them context for their own childhoods.
More Answered Questions
Tiki
asked
Mary Doria Russell:
Doc was one of my favorite novels and I remember hearing you discuss that and Epitaph at the Tucson Festival of Books. I even got my Tucson book club to read them!! I am intrigued by your change of scenery for the early Plantagenet reign. Henry ll, the first (and Richard lll the last) are my favorite of all kings. Will you include Eleanor's intrigues against him? Looking forward to everything you write!
Deborah
asked
Mary Doria Russell:
My grandfather was an iron ore miner in Marquette at the time of your book, "Women of the Copper Country". This is my book club book for next week. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and felt deeply involved in the history. How much research did you do in producing the material? Have you been to Calumet?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more