Seduced by the Simurgh
This essay began as a response to fellow novelist Dirk van Nouhuys, about how he gets caught up in research when writing a new novel. For more on Dirk, see link below. I think what you are calling « research » is the always fulfilling and energizing process of learning. You, like me, are probably … read more »
Magic, desire and comedy
In Search of the Magic Theater by Karla Huebner My rating: 5 of 5 stars Two women, a generation apart though their lives intertwine, tell us in their most intimate voices of their quite different, sometimes comical and mostly but not always disappointing adventures with men. And careers, and cellos, and dope. When the quest … read more »
Research: Fact and fancy in historical fiction
After reading A Gift for the Sultan and my latest novel, Rabble! , friend and fellow novelist Peter de Lissovoy (links below) wrote me: “I hate to think of all the research you did. But it must have been a joy at times, as you made discoveries, it must have been, given the joy and … read more »
Politics and personalities, war and suffrage
To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918 by Adam Hochschild My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is brilliant reporting of the British side of the Great European War of 1914 to 1918, “World War I” as we now know it. The focus is not on the big strategic decisions, the … read more »
Days of struggle in Chicago: the Rainbow Coaltion
Thanks to my good friend, novelist Pete de Lissovoy, for pointing me to this very very good documentary! The First Rainbow Coalition (55 minutes) Yes, I was there then, and as involved as I could be, given who I was: a grad student, white, at nearby (to Chicago) Northwestern University. I got to know Cha … read more »