Elizabeth
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
How did you go about your research process for writing Lilac Girls?
Martha Hall Kelly
Hi Elizabeth,
I did almost ten years of research for Lilac Girls. I started with Caroline's three archives, then went to Warsaw and Lublin Poland and to Germany at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. I also spoke with Ravensbruck survivors, Caroline's friends, colleagues and family and in Paris translated almost 100 of Caroline's letters written in French. And read every book and memoir there is on Ravensbruck/National Socialism/ WWII Poland as well. (At least it felt like every one. :) ) It was really fun.
I did almost ten years of research for Lilac Girls. I started with Caroline's three archives, then went to Warsaw and Lublin Poland and to Germany at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. I also spoke with Ravensbruck survivors, Caroline's friends, colleagues and family and in Paris translated almost 100 of Caroline's letters written in French. And read every book and memoir there is on Ravensbruck/National Socialism/ WWII Poland as well. (At least it felt like every one. :) ) It was really fun.
More Answered Questions
Vivian Lea Solek
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
Thank you for liking my review of Lilac Girls. It didn't do your book justice. I found it TOTALLY engaging from start to finish. As an archivist & historian, halfway through I thought "wonder if this is based on a true story?" Imagine my great surprise & glee when I discovered that it was not only based on a true story, but also a Connecticut story. Thank you for gifting us with such a great read!
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