Wildflowers of Terezin has been one of my favorite novels of 2010. I reviewed the novel here:
Review: Wildflowers of Terezin. I was fortunate to be able to ask Robert Elmer a few questions about himself and the novel. Be sure you will read more Elmer reviews on Dark Glass Ponderings in future.
Reading the afterword, I see you were inspired to write Wildflowers of Terezin as a result of stories shared by your Denmark-born parents. Were there any specific incidents in Wildflowers or your Underground series that come directly from your family’s experience?
I would say the context was inspired by their stories--stories that made me dig more deeply into the historical record. My father lived in Copenhagen
My mother, who lived on a more remote (and thus more peaceful) island in the south of Denmark
I love the quotes you shared in the beginning of each chapter. I keep a quote notebook and several of these quotes made it in my notebook. Is there any particular figure during the World War II time period that most strongly inspires you?
The courage of King Christian inspires me. As many people know, he would ride daily through the streets of Copenhagen
How did writing Wildflowers as an adult novel, compare to writing your young adult “Young Underground” series?
That's an interesting question. They both started out in the same place, using much of the same research, and relied on many of the same settings. Of course, in WILDFLOWERS I could get into the heads and motivations of the adult characters much more deeply, so that would be the greatest difference. But I have to say, writing WILDFLOWERS took me back to the days when I was putting together the "Young Underground" adventures. I treasure both experiences.
I notice your books span through several genres: contemporary, historical, young adult. Do you have a favorite genre to write?
Honestly I love them all. I love writing for younger readers, because I'm a kid at heart. But I also enjoy historicals because of the challenge of making the past come alive. I just can't decide! :-)
Can you tell me about your next project on the horizon?
Right now I'm immersed in my new position, serving as a writer/editor at a university. I'm working on helping edit a testimony/autobiography, and my idea file is percolating, so stay tuned!
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Wildflowers of Terezin. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and feel I can give it the highest recommendation!
Thank you so much. This book came straight from my heart--a book I just had to write!
2 comments:
This sounds like an amazingly powerful novel!! Thank you for the great review!
T. Anne, This was one of my favorite reads of 2010 and I highly recommend it. I enjoy it even more knowing it was based on Robert Elmer's family.
Post a Comment