Readers' Most Anticipated Books for Fall 2025
Adriana Delgado
Adriana Delgado asked Helen Simonson:

Now for the real question: I could see Jane Austen's influence in The Last Days of Summer. The descriptions of the country setting and much of the dialogue made me think of Persuasion. Did you have a particular Austen novel influence your work for The Last Days of Summer?

Helen Simonson Oh, here is the question. Yes, you are very insightful. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen. Somehow its theme of duty, and love delayed, resonates with me in a world where romance is too often about wildly breaking all the rules for a dash into the sunset. I think love is above all about a deep and abiding friendship and that takes endurance. Well spotted among the many literary influences at work in The Summer Before The War.
flag

More Answered Questions

Erna
Erna asked Helen Simonson:

Are you going to write anymore books about Major Pettigrew? I've just finished reading Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and I loved it. Would love to hear more from him and his friends.

Anne
Anne asked Helen Simonson:

You have written a wonderful, wonderful book. I just finished reading "The Summer Before the War" and I don't think I can even articulate all the ways I loved this book. Kudos. Dare I ask what your next project is?

Adriana Delgado
Adriana Delgado asked Helen Simonson:

Beatrice Nash fascinated me in The Summer Before the War. What or who was the inspiration for her character?

All answers from Helen Simonson…
Helen Simonson
2,527 followers
To ask Helen Simonson a question, please sign up.

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