Erik Larson
Interesting question: They're all so different. I think my favorite research journey was for Thunderstruck, my book about Marconi and Crippen (the second most famous murderer in England). It took me to Rome, Bologne, London, Nova Scotia, and points in between. Great fun. As for the writing: I really can't say. Devil in the White City was probably the hardest to write. The easiest and most fun were the last 100 pages of Thunderstruck. Loved it.
More Answered Questions
Jaksen
asked
Erik Larson:
Question about how you do research - the importance of primary sources? That is, do you make a concerted effort to talk to those with first-hand knowledge, and lacking that, look for immediate descendants, etc.? (A lot of us do 'know stuff', handed down by grandparents who might be long deceased, who heard stories from their grandparents, and so on.)
Bsummone
asked
Erik Larson:
I will be going to Berlin in May and my companion is reading In the Garden of Beasts right now (at my insistence!) In your view, what are the must see locations that will make this story even more tangible and terrifying? (I have told many that your book is the "Boiling the Frog" experience of the Third Reich as my encouragement for them to read it.)
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