Goodreads asked V.E.H. Masters:

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

V.E.H. Masters I learned that Conversos, who were Jews that were forcibly converted to Christianity were fleeing in increasing numbers through Antwerp to Venice and onto Constantinople. The sultans welcomed them because many were very wealthy and they were permitted to freely practise their faith (as were Christians living in the Ottoman Empire). I found this fascinating. It was the starting point. Then I learned about the followers of Henrik Niclaes who developed the philosophy of familism which fitted beautifully for who some of my characters were and gave me the title of The Familists. Finally I brought in the French wars of religion, most specifically the Siege at Rouen in 1562 and by a roundabout way I had the main themes of the book.

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