A Goodreads user
asked
Stephen P. Kiernan:
I get the sense that you're fascinated with WWII, as am I. Ever been tempted to write a novel set during the war? In the Hummingbird, I found the flashback story very interesting. I think that itself would've made a damn fine novel.
Stephen P. Kiernan
Hi Anthony and thanks for your question. I'm delighted that you enjoyed the historical part of the book.
The Hummingbird initially began as a novel about the World War II component. The contemporary story came second, believe it or not. But when I put them together I felt like each piece said something that enriched the other. That's my hope anyway.
I am a journalist so I loved the research, but I am not a historian so I was glad to be able to take the liberties of fiction to make the best story I could.
I am now about a quarter of the way along in another novel, The Taste of Hope, which will come out from the same wonderful publisher sometime in 2017 (if all goes well and the creek don't rise), which is set entirely in World War II France. More to come on that in the months ahead.
Thanks again.
The Hummingbird initially began as a novel about the World War II component. The contemporary story came second, believe it or not. But when I put them together I felt like each piece said something that enriched the other. That's my hope anyway.
I am a journalist so I loved the research, but I am not a historian so I was glad to be able to take the liberties of fiction to make the best story I could.
I am now about a quarter of the way along in another novel, The Taste of Hope, which will come out from the same wonderful publisher sometime in 2017 (if all goes well and the creek don't rise), which is set entirely in World War II France. More to come on that in the months ahead.
Thanks again.
More Answered Questions
Elizabeth Good
asked
Stephen P. Kiernan:
Hi Stephen! I have a few "technical issues" for lack of a better phrase, with your wonderful new book, Universe of Two. A bit detailed to explain but maybe you can look at my review to see the issues which confused me? There were two tiny details which didn't track for me, and one other conclusion about Brenda not returning to Chicago which seemed odd. Curious if I did not understand correctly. Wonderful book though!!
Linda C
asked
Stephen P. Kiernan:
I really liked "The Baker's Secret" but there were some scathing reviews that the setting wasn't authentic, i.e. French bakeries would never make cinnamon rolls, and by default, you didn't do the necessary research for a historical novel. How would you respond to those complaints?
Mary Jean
asked
Stephen P. Kiernan:
Read The Hummingbird while helping my sister through her last days of life after fighting a valiant battle with cancer. Worried it would be too hard to read now; instead, it proved to be cathartic as she passed last week. "Nurse Birch" was so often helping Barclay Reed with the same sorts of issues we were dealing with, along w/our own Hospice nurses--same meds, techniques, compassionate acts, etc. Thank you! ?
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