Judy

Judy asked Helen Simonson:

I'm a huge fan of your books, and I think I saw an email where you were recommending a new novel about to come out. . . but now I cannot recall where I saw it, or who sent it out. If you have recommended a new book, please tell us what it is? And I hope you are working on a third novel!

Helen Simonson Dear Judy,
Not sure what and when I was recommending so I copy below an earlier email about some of my favorite and recent books. More recently, I have just finished Joan Silber's IMPROVEMENT and Lisa Gornick's THE PEACOCK FEAST which were both amazing and am now reading Kathryn Davis' THE THIN PLACE which is inspiring me with its poetry. Earlier recommendations below. So much reading to do...
...THE MINISTRY OF UTMOST HAPPINESS from Arundhati Roy and Louise Erdrich's LA ROSE top my books to read in a hammock this summer. When it rains I like old AGATHA CHRISTIE mysteries with damp yellowing pages and I plan to reread THREE MEN IN A BOAT (published in 1889) by Jerome K. Jerome just to laugh for the umpteenth time about holiday expectations versus hilarious reality.

More Answered Questions

John Witsey

John Witsey asked Helen Simonson:

I have just read The Summer Before the War, attracted by the title & subject matter as I have a fetish for the period the book is set in. One of my favourite novels is Ford Madox Ford's Parade's End & I couldn't help but notice a number of parallels: Rye, period of setting, intelligent daughter of professor left in perilous pecuniary circumstances by his death, etc. Was this novel an influence for yours?

Linda

Linda asked Helen Simonson:

I just finished The Summer before the War, and oh my gosh. I knew it was going to be bittersweet, but how did you capture such a clear picture of that view from Rye, and the absolute tranquility of an English garden on a summer's day? I am sure I will take myself there many times in my mind's eye, such a sense of peace. I loved Major Pettigrew too (I gave it a starred review for Library Journal!)!

Christine F.

Christine F. asked Helen Simonson:

I must tell you, I am still processing your beautifully touching story. I read your first novel but this one is so special! I felt as though I was sitting in the garden with Hugh and his family at the lovely cottage. The descriptions of the war were chilling. I too am a writer. You might enjoy my novel - AN EVEN EXCHANGE. It is told in twovoices and is set inthe US and England. How did you research WW 1 info?

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