Laura asked Chris Bohjalian:

Hi, Chris. I've just finished The Buffalo Soldier, the first of your books that I've read. I loved it and to my surprise, given other art and the news, found it sunny. This sunniness seems to be located for me in the kindnesses of characters, your language (I wish there were room for examples), and also perhaps in the lack of ongoing vitriol between Terry and Laura. Was it your intention to create sunniness?

Chris Bohjalian Thank you for reading, Laura. So glad you enjoyed "The Buffalo Soldier." I'm grateful indeed.

Yes, I think some of my characters are kind: flawed, but essentially decent. That may be the sunniness. And Paul and Emily Hebert each have a pretty good sense of humor.

Often, however, I think my books are about dread: that's what keeps you turning the page. And then at the end? Often there's heartbreak. I think I offer heartbreak as frequently as I offer a happy ending.

I hope this helps.

Thanks again for diving in. Fingers crossed may work never disappoints you.

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