Launching a book at any time is exciting (and a tiny bit nerve-racking) but during these challenging times with the need for social distancing, it was even more special to bring people together to celebrate the publication of Finding Eadie. It also meant that an on line event via zoom on 2nd July was a great way to celebrate the actual publication day when family and friends overseas could also join. We were lucky enough to hold a physical event at Roaring Stories in Balmain; a spectacular setting with its uniquely designed interior and ceiling of suspended books.
A small group of guests listened to the conversation with Sunil Badami as we touched on family secrets, inspiration and the importance of staying true to real events from history. ohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odwnECcBHx8l
One of the reasons that it felt extra special to be launching Finding Eadie at this time is because of the theme of the novel and the relevance it has with the present day. The story is about how aspiring young editor, Alice Cotton, manages to cleverly combine her search for her missing child with creating much needed books during wartime. There was an increased demand for books during the Second World War from civilians and servicemen. People were reading more than ever; while waiting in shelters, during blackouts, and troops while they travelled and awaited battle. When I was researching and writing the novel I was struck by how important books were during wartime but I never imagined we would soon be facing a time when people would again be reading more and turning to books for comfort, escapism and entertainment as they had back then.
Historical fiction has the effect of making me look at the future through the lens of the past, remembering what previous generations have been through and how they’ve dealt with the challenges of their times. I know other authors who have postponed publication dates, cancelled launches, and others who have been doing virtual events, and I really admire the way that people, when they can, are adapting and finding new ways to carry on. It also makes me grateful that we were able to bring a small group together for our event.
Who knows what the next six months holds but one thing seems likely, that people will continue to read more. One of the quotes at the beginning of the book by Winston Churchill is about the importance of books:
‘If you cannot read all your books, at any rate handle them and, as it were, fondle them. Peer into them. Let them fall open where they will. Read the first sentence that arrests the eye. Then turn to another. Make a voyage of discovery, taking soundings of uncharted seas. Set them back on their selves with your own hands. Arrange them on your own plan, so that if you do not know what is in them, you at least know where they are. If they cannot be your friends, let them at any rate be your acquaintances.’
WINSTON S. CHURCHILL
I hope you enjoy reading Finding Eadie and all your other books. Take care and stay safe. Caroline x
Walking in Esther’s footsteps April included a busy trip to the UK and a side trip to Vienna to walk in Esther’s footsteps. It was great to finally visit the settings that I’d written about in the novel, ones that I had researched online and could now visit in person. Even though the sights and…