Interview & Giveaway with Cathy Gohlke, Part Two

We're back with Cathy Gohlke today to finish our discussion of her latest book, Band of Sisters. Don't forget, Cathy is offering a copy to one of my readers. Check out the details below.

If you missed Part One of this interview, click here to read Monday's post.

KL: I think Band of Sisters would make an excellent film. If it was turned into a movie, which actors do you think would best portray what you imagined for your main characters? Can you describe a few physical features that they have?

CG:  Maureen is striking - tall, slim, with thick flaming red hair (tendrils escaping) and green eyes on a thin face. Victoria Smurfit, who played Hannah Randall in "Berkeley Square" could play Maureen's role perfectly.

            Joshua is also tall, broad shouldered, with black, thick curls, dark blue eyes, and the ruddy complexion of a man who's worked outside all his life. Perhaps Hugh Dancy could play his role.

            Olivia is lovely with dark upswept hair and brown eyes. She's intelligent, with a quiet and cultured but determined air about her. I think Jessica Brown Findlay, who played Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abby, would be perfect. 

            Curtis is tall, slim, with dark brown eyes, curling dark hair, and alabaster skin. Perhaps Jamie Bamber could fill his role.  

KL: Sounds great, I will be among the first in line if this makes it to the theaters! I know you did extensive research for this book. Can you tell us a little about it? 

CG: My research began with with human trafficking today and the fight to abolish modern-day slavery through books, the internet, and through organizations and individuals that are helping in various ways—raising awareness, rescuing, restoring and healing victims, tracking down and prosecuting predators, education of men and boys re. the human rights and intrinsic worth of women, safe houses, etc., and those who raise funds to assist organizations or individuals who are already doing these things.                           

For historical background I watched documentaries and read (books, old newspapers, archives) about the growth of old New York, the social conditions and desperation of the poor and of immigrants in particular, the disadvantages to those who did not speak English, the unique problems of women and children—the opportunities for and difficulties of making a living wage outside of prostitution, the threats made to women and their families to coerce them into sexual service, of their economic desperation without a male provider, of their few legal rights, and of the unfair treatment women received in court.  Those studies led me to the development of the sweatshops, the growth, expansion and revisions of the settlement house movement, the work of Jacob Riis in making the abject poverty of thousands known to the public. 

Learning of those conditions led to a special interest in Irish immigrants—their cultural and social strengths and weaknesses, their views of family, their aptitude for and reception in different types of employment in America.

             My husband and I made two trips to NYC.  From there we conducted research at Ellis Island, took several tours in the Tenement Museum, and bought more research books and maps, including more on the Triangle Waist Factory fire.

            Once I knew my storyline, I mapped out locations of the story and trekked through Manhattan, exploring old sites, especially between Mid-town Manhattan, through Washington Square and the surrounding NYU area (including the site of the Triangle fire), the Bowery and the Lower East Side.  As I walked, photographed the city, explored, and talked with residents, the voices of my characters erupted.  I gladly followed their lead.

            KL: Human trafficking and the abolition of slavery is such a huge problem, let alone rescuing and restoring its victims.  What can people do to help?

           CG: There are many things we can do. First, learn all you can through reading and talking to people who have joined the fight. Google "human trafficking" to learn what is happening worldwide. Contact your library, social services, churches, or police department; ask what is being done locally to raise awareness and prevent it. They can help you find resources to educate yourself about:

1. The crime (what is human trafficking and where in the world it occurs—you will be astonished)
2. The people at risk                      
3. The methods traffickers use to capture and enslave
4. The tracking down, arrest and prosecution of predators
5. The rescue, restoration, and healing of victims
6. The fight to abolish slavery through legal means
7. The education of men and boys re. the dignity and worth of women and girls  

            Organizations and/or Individuals that are already working to do the above- See my website for a growing list of these sites.  If you find more, please let me know so I can add them.  

             KL: I appreciate the info on this important topic, Cathy. Thank you for helping to open eyes and hearts. Thanks also for taking time to stop by. I know you are busy with a deadline for your next book. Are you at liberty to share anything about it yet?

             CG:  Yes, I can give you a little peek! Here is the synopsis:

            It is 1939 in the Alpine village of Oberammergau, Germany--scene of the world's longest running Passion Play. Hitler has just invaded Poland, and unleashed his euthanasia program across Germany, determined to rid the Reich and ultimately the world of "life unworthy of life." Rachel Kramer, adopted daughter of a Long Island scientist with strong connections to Germany, discovers that she was separated from her twin sister at birth as part of a nature vs. nurture experiment. Rachel and the man who loves her risk everything to find her sister and save a deaf child targeted by the SS.  But they are not alone -- the villagers of  the Passion Play embrace the message of their script. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and his book, "The Cost of Discipleship," illuminate those answers. Characters confront questions: "Is every life worthy?" and "What is my responsibility toward others?" 


            KL: It sounds like it will be another great story! I can't wait to read it. Thank you again for joining us. I appreciate the insight you brought through this wonderfully compelling story. Wishing you all the best with Band of Sisters and future books. :)

            CG:  It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me!

                 
 Giveaway Details

• You must be a GFC follower and leave your email address with your comment. 

• Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please total your entries and include link with your comment where applicable.

• Open to residents of the United States.

• Deadline to enter is midnight EST Friday September 7, 2012. Winner will be notified via email and will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, September 10, 2012.

For more info on Cathy and her books, visit her website.

To read my review of Band of Sisters, click here.

Have you read any fiction that tackles the topic of human trafficking?

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend,

Karen