Kris Verdeck
asked
Stephen P. Kiernan:
I loved THE BAKER'S SECRET and devoured UNIVERSE OF TWO in just a few sittings. I was wondering if the book you mentioned Brenda's mother was reading (on page 194) was A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN?
Stephen P. Kiernan
Hi Kris. Thanks for reading my work. I'm glad you've loved it. And I am delighted that you asked this question, because Brenda's mom is often reading, which gave me the pleasure of looking up what books were popular at the time.
Betty Smith's novel A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN came out in 1943, so it was just right for her to be reading on page 194.
Likewise on page 54 you'll see her reading another 1943 novel -- JOHNNY TREMAIN by Esther Forbes. This book remains a favorite from my childhood.
Part of the research for a historical novel involves learning the culture of the time: the music, fashions, movies, and yes, books. It's a real pleasure, finding out who won the Academy Award for best actor that year.
For UNIVERSE OF TWO, the biggest reward was in the music. When Brenda demonstrates the organ for a customer, for example, the tunes I have her play are a treat for me. I hope some readers recognize the songs, if only for a moment, as a treat for them too.
Same with the books. Didn't it feel kind of fun to know what book she held?
Betty Smith's novel A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN came out in 1943, so it was just right for her to be reading on page 194.
Likewise on page 54 you'll see her reading another 1943 novel -- JOHNNY TREMAIN by Esther Forbes. This book remains a favorite from my childhood.
Part of the research for a historical novel involves learning the culture of the time: the music, fashions, movies, and yes, books. It's a real pleasure, finding out who won the Academy Award for best actor that year.
For UNIVERSE OF TWO, the biggest reward was in the music. When Brenda demonstrates the organ for a customer, for example, the tunes I have her play are a treat for me. I hope some readers recognize the songs, if only for a moment, as a treat for them too.
Same with the books. Didn't it feel kind of fun to know what book she held?
More Answered Questions
Elizabeth Good
asked
Stephen P. Kiernan:
Loved Universe of Two!! Wonder: -Why did Brenda never return to Chicago to see her brother after her parents died? -Page 85 begins, "The long stalemate broke..in May," yet on 105, later in the story, "It was a gray March day." Did I misunderstand something? -On page 418 Brenda states they had left in 1945, but that was when they moved TO Bay Area so I'm confused by what is meant? Thanks for your reply!
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