Carol Irvin
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
Martha, How did you come up with your title of "Lilac Girls"? I absolutely look your book!! I couldn't put it down!! My friend, Jamie Ford, author of "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet" recommended your novel and I thank him for telling me about it. Can't wait to read your prequel to the "Lilac Girls" Thank you Martha for writing such a splendid book!!
Martha Hall Kelly
How lucky you are to count Jamie Ford as a friend--he's wonderful--I'm glad he recommended Lilac Girls, too.
Title-wise, lilacs are how I discovered the story. I went up to tour Caroline Ferriday's lovely home, which she left to Connecticut Landmarks and is now called The Bellamy-Ferriday House and Gardens, to see her collection of lilacs she collected from around the world. But ultimately it was the publisher's decision to name it Lilac Girls. They liked the idea, which Caroline shares with Kasia in the garden scene, that lilacs will only bloom after a very cold winter, and how that relates to the hard things the Ravensbruck survivors went through. I love the title and it's a good excuse to surround myself with my favorite flower--just coming out now up in New England!
Title-wise, lilacs are how I discovered the story. I went up to tour Caroline Ferriday's lovely home, which she left to Connecticut Landmarks and is now called The Bellamy-Ferriday House and Gardens, to see her collection of lilacs she collected from around the world. But ultimately it was the publisher's decision to name it Lilac Girls. They liked the idea, which Caroline shares with Kasia in the garden scene, that lilacs will only bloom after a very cold winter, and how that relates to the hard things the Ravensbruck survivors went through. I love the title and it's a good excuse to surround myself with my favorite flower--just coming out now up in New England!
More Answered Questions
Ana Flávia
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
Hi Martha! My book club is currently reading this book and I was wondering if you'd be willing to participate in our next meeting, maybe answer some of our questions? It's going to be on 12/08 at 7:30pm EST. Would LOVE to have a chance to chat with you for a few minutes. You can answer privately via email if you prefer: michigantravelist at gmail dot com. Thank you.
Becky Aubrey
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
When can we expect the prequel? I loved how you intertwined the lives of these women and how one small thing can change the lives of many. I gave it to my stepdaughter. She loved The Nightingale and I thought Lilac Girls was as good if not better. I am anxiously awaiting your next book.
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May 04, 2016 11:59AM · flag