Interview with Tatiana de Rosnay, author of *Sarah’s Key*

I am so pleased to welcome Tatiana de Rosnay to She Is Too Fond Of Books!  Tatiana is author of the page-turning novel Sarah’s Key, which hit the New York Times paperback bestseller list on Friday; I expect we’ll see it there for a while!  My review of Sarah’s Key is here.  You can take a look at Tatiana’s upcoming US tour schedule here; many of these events are open to the public, check for details.  Please read on for further insight into the author and her work, including a sneak peek at her upcoming novel, a teaser about the movie adaptation of Sarah’s Key, and a look at Tatiana’s reading and writing habits.  (Photo credit:  Matsas/EHO)

Sarah’s Key is a riveting work of fiction in which a real historical event plays an integral part.  This event was completely unknown to me, and perhaps the majority of your readers.  When did you learn of the Vel d’Hiv?

I heard about it for the first time in my thirties.  And I am French! But I knew nothing yet about its terrible details. I didn’t find out until I started my research for Sarah’s Key.

I understand it was not taught in school (in France) when you were younger, is it included now?  Is it your hope that your novel will help draw attention to this event?

Yes, it is now taught to French teenagers of 14 and 16, but not in any great length. However, when I was that age in the 70′s, it was not on the history program at all.  I did not expect my novel to be so successful with teens, and I’m very happy about it. I am often invited to discuss my book in college with teachers and students here in France.

Sarah is referred to as “the girl” until about halfway through the novel (although we know “the girl” is Sarah from the outset).  Did you do this to put distance between the readers and Sarah and have us focus on the events around her?

Yes, I did.  I wanted that distance. I also wanted the two stories to link at one precise moment, but can’t really go into great detail here because of spoilers ! 

I’m intrigued by the idea of “Pandora’s Box” which one character is cautioned about opening in your novel.  I think this caution is something we all need to weigh when faced with a choice to look into the past or “let it go”.  What factors should one consider when making this choice?

I believe if Julia had decided to be “cautious”, she would have learned nothing about herself, or Sarah’s story. I do think truth hurts, but nothing hurts more than secrets. My new book, Boomerang, is also about family secrets and Pandora’s boxes, one of my obsessions!

Who would you say are your influences as a writer?

Daphné du Maurier, Emile Zola, Ian McEwan, Maupassant, Oscar Wilde, Edgar Allan Poe, Virginia Woolf , Henry James, to name but a few !

I have a few questions about your writing habits.  Sarah’s Key is your first novel written in your mother tongue, English.  Why the switch from French, in which your previous works were written?

This highly sensitive part of French history made me want to build a certain distance with my French side. So English came naturally for this book. Also, with Julia Jarmond being American, I couldn’t envision her speaking in French, it would be like seeing a dubbed movie!

I’m so excited to know that film rights to Sarah’s Key have been secured and that project is moving forward.  Do you have a wish list of who you would like to see play Sarah?  Julia?  Bertrand?

Yes, this is so exciting! A couple of fantastic actresses are being considered right now for Julia’s role, and I am sworn to secrecy.  I have just read the script and it is wonderful, I cried for an entire afternoon!

Do you have a routine that you follow when you write – a specific time of day, or place to write for example?  Do you use a computer or sketch out your scenes longhand?  Are there other tools that assist you – maps, diagrams you’ve drawn of buildings, etc.

As I am also a journalist, (and the mother of two demanding teenagers!), I need to make time for a novel writing schedule. I usually write early in the morning for a couple of hours, then late at night. And never on weekends because it drives my family crazy! I take notes in a small note book, and then I write on the computer.

What are you working on now?

I’ve just finished Boomerang which will be published in 2009. I wrote it in English. It’s the story of a modern man confronted with a dark family truth, and who will meet love in a very unexpected way. It is about love (a first for me!), death, parents, children and secrets …You can read more about it here :

http://figtreefranglais.blogspot.com/2008/07/more-about-antoine.html

Can you tell us a little about yourself as a reader:  What types of books do you like to read when you’re not researching?  What was the last book you read, and what are you reading now?

I am a total bookworm and have been so since I could read ! I usually read four novels a month, in French or in English. I recently enjoyed We need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver, and am now reading an Italian author, Sandro Verenesi.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers of She Is Too Fond of Books?

Thank you very much Dawn, for interviewing me on your blog and for your fantastic support of Sarah’s Key.

I will soon be touring the USA with the Jewish Book Council in November and my schedule is on Facebook and on the Sarah’s Key Blog. Maybe I will meet one of you ?

Writing this book has changed my life.  I have met survivors of the round up, unforgettable moments for me, and the letters and emails I get daily are very moving.

Thank you for your support !

Tatiana de Rosnay

http://www.sarahskey.com/