It’s the flower that started this incredible writing journey and there is no lovelier scent. SBTB: Since flowers, especially lilacs play heavily in your book, what flower would you associate yourself with, and why?

MHK: I tried to start writing at 7:00 when I woke up, since I’d read Eudora Welty once said you should write before you brush your teeth in the morning. SBTB: Did you have any rituals or writing quirks while writing, ‘Lilac Girls’. I think people just were tired of war and wanted to move on right after it ended. Caroline actually tried to get some of her friends’ memoirs published right after the war and they were soundly rejected-she kept the rejection letters in her archives. I think it was way too soon right after the war for a book like this, though. I think this was the perfect time for Lilac Girls-as the greatest generation slips away, the memory of WWII is growing dimmer and we need reminders like this of our history.

It is sad and disappointing we can’t seem to progress in a meaningful way on these issues and are even moving backwards. So many things have barely changed-isolationism, racism, anti-Semitism, anti-immigrant sentiment. MHK: Yes, the political and social change we see today 100% makes the book relevant today. SBTB: Do you think the political and social changes we see today helped this book feel relevant to modern readers? Do you think it would have had the same affect on readers if it was published 20 years ago, 40, or even right after the war? I’m back in Connecticut now and planting tons of lilacs on our new property and some of Caroline’s iris too. MHK: Sadly, I had to leave it behind when we moved from Connecticut to Atlanta. SBTB: Is the lilac plant you purchased from Ferriday’s home still alive and thriving? Then dinner at a French restaurant and after that she’d be ready to rest. MHK: I would start with breakfast at her house and ask her all the burning questions I’ve been dying to know, then walk around New York City with her and see the site of the old French consulate and hear her stories of working there. SBTB: If you could spend an entire day with Caroline Ferriday what would you do? We had a great final discussion on Instagram, hosted a giveaway, and now thanks to Random House we have a delightful Q&A with the author, to share with each of you, dear readers! Get comfy, pour a cup of tea and enjoy reading through the questions Shell and I asked Martha about, ‘Lilac Girls’, being an author, her writing process and a few personal questions we thought were quite fun! Enjoy! We had an incredible time reading this novel and I’ve actually found myself, on several occasions, still reflecting on it. In May, booksbythecup and I launched our seasonal book club, ‘Seasons By The Book’, and our spring read was, ‘Lilac Girls’ by Martha Hall Kelly.

Office depot greenbooks