Dear Cheryl. Thank you for your generous review, especially as you openly acknowledge that this is not really your genre. That generosity certainly deserves a considered response. One of the reasons I value Goodreads is that it allows for interaction and debate, and you certainly sparked one — good for you. The point you raise is a valid one: how a writer of serious historical fiction balances accuracy with the demands of an engaging spy narrative. It is not easy. I write for an international audience, which complicates matters further. The story is set in East Asia, while Goodreads is, quintessentially, an American platform. Some readers will have only a vague sense of the turbulent history of early twentieth-century Asia; others — including, I suspect, yourself — will be far more knowledgeable. I have even received reviews suggesting that my work is too light on the historical side. How, then, should one proceed? The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, moves on: nor all your piety nor wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a line, Nor all your tears wash out a word of it. Do you know these lines? They are by the ancient Persian poet Omar Khayyám. I am English, but the sentiment rings true. This book is part of a trilogy, and I am now halfway through the second volume. Today, with your comments in mind, I revisited that manuscript and trimmed several historical passages. For that — and for prompting the reflection — you have my thanks. Mark
The point you raise is a valid one: how a writer of serious historical fiction balances accuracy with the demands of an engaging spy narrative. It is not easy. I write for an international audience, which complicates matters further. The story is set in East Asia, while Goodreads is, quintessentially, an American platform. Some readers will have only a vague sense of the turbulent history of early twentieth-century Asia; others — including, I suspect, yourself — will be far more knowledgeable. I have even received reviews suggesting that my work is too light on the historical side. How, then, should one proceed?
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, moves on: nor all your piety nor wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a line,
Nor all your tears wash out a word of it.
Do you know these lines? They are by the ancient Persian poet Omar Khayyám. I am English, but the sentiment rings true.
This book is part of a trilogy, and I am now halfway through the second volume. Today, with your comments in mind, I revisited that manuscript and trimmed several historical passages. For that — and for prompting the reflection — you have my thanks.
Mark