Saralyn Richard
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
What first attracted you to the story of the Rabbits, and how did you balance fictional elements with the facts of your research? (i.e., how much did the historical facts guide the storytelling aspects, were they the driving force, or did they at times get in the way?)
Martha Hall Kelly
Wow, this is such a great question, Saralyn. I first learned of the story of the Rabbits when I toured The Bellamy-Ferriday House and Gardens in Bethlehem, CT. On Caroline's desk sat a photo of the Polish women. The guide told me they had been experimented on at Ravensbruck and Caroline brought them out from behind the iron curtain to the U.S. for rehabilitation. Once I heard the story I couldn't shake it! I loved having the facts to create a structure for the novel and they were definitely the driving force. My rule was if it was a true incident I included it. Turns out almost everything in Lilac Girls that happens at Ravensbruck is based on fact (including little Guy Poirot). Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.
More Answered Questions
Teresa
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
My church book club will be reading Lilac Girls this year. I loved the extra information (lost pictures of Caroline Ferriday, etc.). I can't wait to share those with the group. Do you have any additional information I could share about that book? I have recommended the book to everyone who asks me what I read or what one of my favorite books is. Thank you for your wonderful gift of writing!
Nancy
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
Martha Hall Kelly you've done it again!! I just finished Sunflower Sister and I believe, although Lilac Girls and Lost Roses were terrific, this is your best work yet! I especially like how your notes at the end spoke about what was fact and what was fiction (I always wonder about those things when reading historical fiction). Congratulations, I believe you have another "hit"! Now my question is , "What's up next?"
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