Laura
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
Hi, Chris. I've just finished The Buffalo Soldier, the first of your books that I've read. I loved it and to my surprise, given other art and the news, found it sunny. This sunniness seems to be located for me in the kindnesses of characters, your language (I wish there were room for examples), and also perhaps in the lack of ongoing vitriol between Terry and Laura. Was it your intention to create sunniness?
Chris Bohjalian
Thank you for reading, Laura. So glad you enjoyed "The Buffalo Soldier." I'm grateful indeed.
Yes, I think some of my characters are kind: flawed, but essentially decent. That may be the sunniness. And Paul and Emily Hebert each have a pretty good sense of humor.
Often, however, I think my books are about dread: that's what keeps you turning the page. And then at the end? Often there's heartbreak. I think I offer heartbreak as frequently as I offer a happy ending.
I hope this helps.
Thanks again for diving in. Fingers crossed may work never disappoints you.
Yes, I think some of my characters are kind: flawed, but essentially decent. That may be the sunniness. And Paul and Emily Hebert each have a pretty good sense of humor.
Often, however, I think my books are about dread: that's what keeps you turning the page. And then at the end? Often there's heartbreak. I think I offer heartbreak as frequently as I offer a happy ending.
I hope this helps.
Thanks again for diving in. Fingers crossed may work never disappoints you.
More Answered Questions
Ann
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
I was intrigued by the extensive background on sleep disorders in "The Sleepwalker". As I was reading, I got the impression that you became interested in it because parasomnias are one of the mechanisms by which people end up behaving against their volition - and so you end up with tremendous potential for conflict, as you showed in the Ahlberg's marriage. What made you become interested in that? Thank you.
Carol
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
Sorry and after all that blathering blabber, I forgot to ask my question(s): Can you please share what book(s) you have extreme envy that you didn't write yourself? Also, I would love to know other than research, reading, asking questions and being curious and thoughtful, is there anything you do mentally to prepare, meditation, exercise and anything about your routine? Thank you!
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