November Book Club :At First Light

I came back to read this post to see if my question had been answered. That's very sad news to here that she's gone,so sad.

Thank you Pittcity. Such sad news.

Thanks from me too, Pittcity. I had no idea. Very sad.

Thanks pittcity for this information.I had no idea she was ill and have only just read her response to me written in December

So sad to hear of the death of Vanessa Lafaye

Many thanks to Vanessa for these insights into how she goes about the process of writing. Thanks too to Gransnet for allowing us this glimpse. Looking forward to the next book!

I feel that I have written all I need to about the Klan in this book, but I am giving lectures about them in schools and historical societies. The idea of ‘white Christian terrorism’ needs to be discussed more. I see it as a foil for Islamophobia.

Purpledaffodil

TBH it gave me nightmares as the subject matter was so harrowing. Nevertheless it was a worthwhile read and well written. Does the author intend to write more about the KKK or does she feel she has said all she wants to say?

Another reader asked this question. I hadn’t thought of it, but the Cuban Revolution is certainly rich with possibilities. And I might be able to justify another trip to Havana!

Greenfinch

I loved this book although it was not one I would have chosen for myself. It was so well written that I was in tears by the end. It was not a whodunnit but a whydunnit and the end of each chapter left the reader wanting to know more. I certainly want to find out more about the Klan. All the characters were interesting and I was wondering if Vanessa was going to create a story around the character of Daniella who also sounds very interesting from the oblique reference to her.

I usually spend about 3 months researching before I start to write. I need to feel like I know everything about how the people of the period lived – what they ate, what they wore, what they did with their sewage! I read a lot of social history, making notes of aspects that I want to use. Then I compile those notes to use while I write, so I don’t have to keep referring to a stack of books. While writing, I always have the need for more research, so I just pause when needed until I have what’s missing.

Buddie

I enjoyed reading Summertime and knew Vanessa researches widely and I was not disappointed with At First Light. Her list of further reading is extensive but she is a writer who does not allow her research to intrude but simply inform the story. I should like to know how much time Vanessa spends researching and whether she then puts this aside whilst writing. It must be very tempting to include everything you unearth and careful selection is clearly called for.
The characters are skillfully drawn so there is little chance of confusion even in the early chapters. I do hope to hear that there is another book in progress.

It’s not something which I had considered, but it is an interesting idea. There are lots of novels set around the Cuban Revolution, but there could be room for one more.

Waveney

I would be interested to know if the brief mention of Alicia's daughter could be developed into a novel - it's a time and place in history about which I know very little.

Yes, I definitely do! But it’s at a very early stage, so keeping it under wraps for now.

Mapleleaf

I don't have any questions about the book for the author, as she gives a lot of information about the background for her story at the end. However, I will ask if she has another book in the pipeline? I've downloaded Summertime onto my kindle to read.

I’ve visited Key West many times as a tourist, but I made a special trip to find the grave of Manuel Cabeza. I spoke with the local librarian about the episode, who didn’t think it was of any interest! It may be of more interest to people from far away, like the UK.

annemac101

This was a really good read and because the story really started near the end draws you into finding out what happened to Alicia to make her commit murder. I haven't read the author's other book yet but I will be rectifying that soon. Although Vanessa answered many of the questions I had in my head at the end of the book I would like to ask her if during her research did she visit Key West or speak to anyone who might have been told stories by their families about that time in Key West's history ?

I find writing emotionally draining generally, which comes from inhabiting different characters at a different time. I feel more outraged than drained at depicting the dark episodes, which is probably what gives me the impetus to keep going. Anger can be a powerful motivator.

eGJ

A book that compels you to read, read, read until you reach the end and as book I was sorry to come to a finale. A fascinating look at an era in American history that is often avoided by most authors.
Question for Vanessa
Did you find it emotionally draining to study this period of your native country's dark history?

I would never have chosen to read this book but, I thoroughly enjoyed if, although I found it very upsetting at times.
I’ll look out for Vanessa Lafayes books in the future, this book was so we’ll written. I now need to know more about the KKK

Really, really good book from Vanessa Lafaye. As someone who enjoyed ' Summertime' I was worried that this one may not meet my expectations but it exceeded them. Can't wait for the next one from this talented author.

I would never have picked up this book in a bookshop, so I'm glad it was wished upon me. TBH it gave me nightmares as the subject matter was so harrowing. Nevertheless it was a worthwhile read and well written. Does the author intend to write more about the KKK or does she feel she has said all she wants to say?

I loved this book although it was not one I would have chosen for myself.It was so well written that I was in tears by the end.It was not a whodunnit but a whydunnit and the end of each chapter left the reader wanting to know more.I certainly want to find out more about the Klan.All the characters were interesting and I was wondering if Vanessa was going to create a story around the character of Daniella who also sounds very interesting from the oblique reference to her.

Thanks for my copy of this novel which I have just finished reading. I enjoyed the story and found the characters interesting, particularly Dwayne. After reading the opening pages of Summertime, was intrigued to see that Dwayne Campbell also featured in this book so will look forward to reading it.

I enjoyed this book, with some minor reservations like those already mentioned by others. I think it was a timely read, reminding us that odious, hate-fuelled organisations are not confined to previous centuries but still exist today.

Thanks for my copy, as I don't think I'd have selected it for myself.

A bit late finishing this book but that is due to personal commitments and certainly not the appeal of this novel. I enjoyed reading Summertime and knew Vanessa researches widely and I was not disappointed with At First Light. Her list of further reading is extensive but she is a writer who does not allow her research to intrude but simply inform the story. I should like to know how much time Vanessa spends researching and whether she then puts this aside whilst writing. It must be very tempting to include everything you unearth and careful selection is clearly called for.
The characters are skillfully drawn so there is little chance of confusion even in the early chapters. I do hope to hear that there is another book in progress.

I have just finished this book and must admit I almost gave up on it. I am glad I stayed with it but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had expanded more on the characters. The author’s notes at the end were very interesting and I will research further.

Thank you for introducing me to this book - it is not one I would naturally have picked up,being more to my daughter taste ( I will be passing the book on to her).
I did enjoy it, though I admit to skim reading the violence towards John at the end.
I knew the Klan were colour prejudiced, but hadn't realised that they were also anti Jew and anti other minorities. ( including women if the impression I got from the book was correct). It's frighteningly topical considering President Trump's comments and tweets this week.
I found Dwayne to be the more interesting character, as he became aware that the posturing hid a dark intent.
I would be interested to know if the brief mention of Alicia's daughter could be developed into a novel - it's a time and place in history about which I know very little.

Vanessa Lafaye’s (is that a nom de plume? It sounds so affected! Apologies is this is her given name.) book is one that I would never have chosen. The cover is such that I would not even have picked it up to read the prologue, however… I am very glad that I have received the copy from ‘Gransnet’ as I very much enjoyed the story and the way it was told.

The plot centres around an admission of guilt from an elderly (even older than most of us!) lady who, right at the beginning of the book is happy to take responsibility for a murder.

The characterisations are mostly believable and takes the reader to the darker days of everyday rough life in Key West after World War 1.

Ms Lafaye’s depiction of the return of the Spanish Flu kept me awake one night, such were the graphic descriptions of how victims succumbed to the terrible ‘La Grippe’. Simply shocking.

There were a few minor annoyances, with the central strong woman, Alicia, becoming silly and ‘girly’ at times of danger and endangering those around her but that apart, the characterisations were believable.

I enjoyed the vision of Emily making her deliveries but fear that 'elf and safety' would through a wobbly nowadays (and yes, I know that unpasturised milk is still sold)!

The rise of the Ku Klux Klan were interesting for us who know little about them. The hatred engendered by them filled a vacuum and who is to say it will not happen again, in a slightly different form – we live in difficult times and the analogy is not lost on me.

Ms Lafaye’s ‘Questions for Discussion’ were interesting and the addition of the first chapter of Ms Lafaye’s book ‘Summertime’ will ensure a purchase from me!

I will be researching Manuel Cabeza and sad 'though this story is (although who didn't give a silent cheer when the victim's background became apparent?), it was a thoroughly different and engaging read and much recommended.