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Author News & Interviews

Author Talk: Ken Follett, author of World Without End

Oct 19, 2007

October 19, 2007

Though known primarily as a writer of suspense/thrillers, author Ken Follett credits his 1989 bestseller THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH --- a historical novel that chronicles the construction of a cathedral during the Middle Ages --- as his greatest work to date. His most recent book, WORLD WITHOUT END, revisits the cathedral town of Kingsbridge 200 years later, during the pivotal time of the Black Plague. In this interview, Follett discusses the shifts in social and religious thought during those two centuries that ultimately gave rise to modern medicine and explains some of the real-life inspirations behind the book's fictional happenings. He also talks about why he chose to write a sequel after 18 years, elaborates on the connections between the two books in terms of setting and characters, and shares topics he'd possibly like to cover in future projects.

Interview: David Gibbins, author of Crusader Gold

Oct 12, 2007

October 12, 2007

Bestselling author David Gibbins drew from his experiences as a marine archaeologist to write his latest work of fiction, CRUSADER GOLD, in which a group of scientists set out to find one of the great lost treasures of the world --- a gold menorah looted from the Temple of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

Interview: Peter Pezzelli, author of Italian Lessons

Oct 12, 2007

October 12, 2007

Peter Pezzelli has made a name for himself writing poignant works of fiction about everyday Italian-American families, such as EVERY SUNDAY, FRANCESCA'S KITCHEN and HOME TO ITALY. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Alexis Burling, Pezzelli explains what prompted him to write his latest book, ITALIAN LESSONS, and elaborates on the recurring theme of love's unpredictability, which is predominant in his work. He also discusses what he hopes readers will learn about life and love from his novels, recounts his bold decision to pursue a career as an author and shares what he thinks Americans can learn from Italian culture.

Interview: Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Dowry Bride

Oct 5, 2007

October 5, 2007

Sometimes fiction illuminates a problem so shocking that it’s almost difficult to believe. This is the case with debut novelist Shobhan Bantwal’s THE DOWRY BRIDE, which explores the darker side of marriage in her native country of India. Bantwal’s story, which follows the arranged nuptials of a young girl whose new family plots to murder her when her dowry isn’t paid, is based on the horrific practice of bride-burning, bride abuse and the dowry system as still practiced in India.

Interview: Joshua Henkin, author of Matrimony

Oct 5, 2007

October 5, 2007

It’s been 10 years since writing instructor Joshua Henkin published his debut novel, SWIMMING ACROSS THE HUDSON, but MATRIMONY proves to readers that it was worth the wait. His sophomore effort tackles the complex relationships of marriage, friendship and parents and children over the course of more than a decade. In this interview, Bookreporter.com’s Cindy Crosby talks with Henkin about his latest book, what he believes is his most important task as a novelist, why he doesn’t recommend that young writers live in New York City and the one thing he hopes no one ever leaves on his pillow.