Tracy Chevalier
Hi Josephine
Sorry for the delay in replying! I live near Highgate Cemetery in London, where the book is set. Many years ago I went on a tour of it with a visiting friend, and was struck by the symbols of death used on the graves, and also the gothic atmosphere. I decided right then that I had to set a book there, and so I started doing volunteer work at the cemetery to get to know it and its history better. At first I thought I would write a novel set in the present, and then thought about its Victorian origins. But eventually I decided the most interesting part of the cemetery's history was when society began to turn away from celebrating death in an ostentious way and moved more towards understatement. This coincided with Queen Victoria dying and her son becoming Edward VII. So I set the book then, with two families representing two styles - the past and the future.
Sorry for the delay in replying! I live near Highgate Cemetery in London, where the book is set. Many years ago I went on a tour of it with a visiting friend, and was struck by the symbols of death used on the graves, and also the gothic atmosphere. I decided right then that I had to set a book there, and so I started doing volunteer work at the cemetery to get to know it and its history better. At first I thought I would write a novel set in the present, and then thought about its Victorian origins. But eventually I decided the most interesting part of the cemetery's history was when society began to turn away from celebrating death in an ostentious way and moved more towards understatement. This coincided with Queen Victoria dying and her son becoming Edward VII. So I set the book then, with two families representing two styles - the past and the future.
More Answered Questions
Bobbi
asked
Tracy Chevalier:
First I must say that Girl with a Pearl Earring started my love for historical fiction, and I even traveled to see the painting in person. I have read every book you have written and am eager to know when At the Edge of the Orchard will be released? Thank you for your wonderful books.
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