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| Christine Simolke, Author CHILDREN OF ITALY |
Christine Simolke joins us again to tell
us more about her novel, CHILDREN OF ITALY, based on her family’s immigration
to the United States in the early 20th century. In addition to entertaining readers, Simolke believes
that historical fiction is a way to help them understand what it was like to
live in the past. When writing, she starts with her characters. The plot and
setting evolve from what they want. She is working on the sequel to CHILDREN OF ITALY, which starts in 1939 and follows the family's story for several years.
Simolke is a retired teacher, active in non-profit work in her community, and an avid traveler who lives in North Carolina with her husband.
Q: Your historical fiction novel, CHILDREN OF ITALY, is based on your
family’s
immigration to the United States. Reviewers say, it has a "Love story, secrets, and even a bit of suspense!" and
that it’s “a page turner.” Do you believe that historical fiction
is an effective way to teach about the past, and in your case, about
immigration?
Christine Simolke: For those who enjoy fiction, in my opinion, it’s a
great way to learn about and understand the people/society/political climate of
a past time period. Good writers of historical fiction do a great deal of
research to embed their readers in surroundings that reflect the past to help
them understand what it was like to live in those times. When writing CHILDREN OF ITALY, I wanted my readers to be immersed
in the culture and feelings of an immigrant in America in the 1920’s.
Q: I
confess that although I am an avid mystery reader and author, my favorite novel
is James Clavell’s
historical novel Shogun. It was highly
entertaining, and I felt like I was in medieval Japan when I read it. What is
your favorite historical novel? Or who is your favorite author?
Christine Simolke: My favorite recently
written historical novel is The Light Between Oceans. My favorite
authors of historical fiction are John Steinbeck, the Bronte sisters, and Willa
Cather. I agree, Shogun is great!
Q: Reviewers of CHILDREN OF ITALY are eagerly waiting for a follow-on
story. Will it bring the reader into today’s world
of immigration?
Christine Simolke: Thanks for including that! The continuation of CHILDREN OF ITALY picks up in 1939 when WWII begins
with Nazi Germany’s attack on Poland and the US is still two years away from
entering the fighting. It will not venture into today’s world of immigration as
it will only cover the course of several years.
Q: A recent reviewer
writes that CHILDREN OF ITALY is “relatable to today’s immigration crisis.” Do you agree? How might an historical
fiction book such as yours contribute to understand or help the “immigration crisis?”
Christine Simolke: I think the immigration issues of the past are much
the same as during the mass migration of European immigrants in the early 20th
century. Though we are a country full of immigrants and their descendants,
those entering our country from other lands face discrimination still today. I
think if readers of historical fiction can be reminded of the fact that we are
all descended from immigrants, they might better understand recent immigrants and
be more likely to treat them with respect instead of viewing them as outsiders.
Q: You have traveled extensively. Does travel help you envision
stories? When I travelled, it surprised me to learn more about what it meant to
be an American.
Christine Simolke: Yes, I think that meeting other people and
appreciating other cultures is a great inspiration for writing; and I agree
with you, it has also shown me that our country, with all of its struggles, is,
in my opinion, the greatest place to live. I’m very proud and thankful to be an
American.
Q: When you write your stories, what comes first: plot, character, or
setting?
Christine Simolke: Character is my top consideration. I think about
what I want my characters to think/feel/dream. The plot and setting evolve from
their desires.
Q: Reviewers tout your characters: “these
characters had me hooked from the very beginning” and are “richly developed
characters.” Would they have behaved differently in a different setting, i.e.,
if they had immigrated to Russia, for example? How influential was the setting
to the actions of your characters?
Christine Simolke: The setting of early 20th century America and
Italian culture are very central to the story in CHILDREN OF ITALY. The
characters are very influenced by the expectations of their families and their
place in society. But that being said, I think being an immigrant to any
country would have many of the same inherent challenges. I think readers of any
nationality could relate to the plight of these immigrants as their feelings of
isolation and discrimination are something we’ve all felt in one form or
another.
Q: You’ve also
written an historical middle grade novel. What can you tell us about it?
Christine Simolke: My middle grade novel has not been published yet,
but it is also about an Italian-American family. It takes place in 1970 and is
about the terrorization of one immigrant family by the KKK in a small southern
town.
Q: What will be your next
publication? Do you plan to write any contemporary fiction?
Christine Simolke: I hope to finish my novel that
continues the story of the Falconi family of CHILDREN OF ITALY. Whether it will be published or not, I can only hope. I love
writing historical fiction and don’t see myself writing contemporary fiction
anytime soon.
Q: Tell us about Christine Simolke. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Have you travelled somewhere
exciting recently?
Christine Simolke: I am a retired teacher. I’m active in non-profit work
in our community, and I love to read, cook, and exercise at our YMCA. My
husband and I haven’t traveled recently, other than to NYC and the North
Carolina coast to visit our sons. I am really having fun doing author visits
with book clubs who have read CHILDREN OF ITALY. If
any of your readers would like to have me do an author visit with their book
club, they can contact me at csimolke@charter.net. I will be glad to
Skype if they aren’t within driving distance. I really enjoy connecting with
readers and other writers.
Thank you so
much for the interview!
About Christine Simolke
Christine Simolke is the granddaughter of Italian immigrants.
She was inspired by her grandmother’s
life story to write a novel of the immigrant experience. She has traveled
to countries all over the world and is thankful that her ancestors chose to
settle in the United States. She is a former language arts teacher and
currently resides in North Carolina with her husband. They are the parents of
two wonderful young men. When she is not writing, she's active in non-profit
work.
The idea for her book, CHILDREN OF ITALY was formed many
years ago when she wrote a research paper in graduate school based on an
interview with her grandmother, Giovanna and stories her great aunt, Evelina
told her. Her grandmother and her family immigrated from Italy to America in
the 1920's, and Christine and her family were always fascinated by the stories
of their voyage to America and their early life in the United States.
Their tale of hope, struggle, perseverance and love of family has been an
inspiration to all of the generations after them.
About
CHILDREN OF ITALY
Against the backdrop of the early 20th century, as millions of
immigrants pour through the
While
on board the SS Roma as it sails to Ellis Island, Luigi’s eldest daughter,
Giovanna, begins a romance with Alessandro, a dashing member of the crew. When
he immigrates to America a short time after their voyage, intent on reuniting
with her, she and her family have vanished. As the Falconi family struggles to
assimilate in America, Alessandro perseveres in his hunt for Giovanna. His
search intersects with the bitter Isolde’s efforts to win Luigi back, with
heartbreaking and surprising consequences for all of them.
Links
Purchase Sites
Author Sites
Book Trailer: https://vimeo.com/166875669
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