Thrice Interview: NO SURRENDER SOLDIER

Hi! Today we’re celebrating Christine Kohler’s debut, NO SURRENDER SOLDIER, which was released January 1!

Before we start — why are they called Thrice interviews? The original titles for the Cahill Witch Chronicles were THRICE BLESSED, THRICE CURSED, and THRICE FATED. I have a tattoo with the word thrice, which is partly to remind me how joyful writing that first book was, back when it was just mine, and partly because I like threes. Cate Cahill is the oldest of three sisters, as am I. My birthday is May 3; my anniversary is Sept 30. So there’s a natural theme to these interview questions…

They say: A young man, an old soldier, and a terrible injustice. Should the punishment be death?

Growing up on Guam in 1972, fifteen-year-old Kiko is beset by worries: He’s never kissed a girl, and he thinks it’s possible he never will. The popular guys get all the attention, but the worst part is that Kiko has serious problems at home. His older brother is missing in Vietnam; his grandfather is losing it to dementia; he just learned that his mother was raped in World War II by a Japanese soldier. It all comes together when he discovers an old man, a Japanese soldier, hiding in the jungle behind his house. It’s not the same man who raped his mother, but, in his rage, Kiko cares only about protecting his family and avenging his mom – no matter what it takes. And so, a shy, peaceable boy begins to plan a murder. But how far will Kiko go to prove to himself that he’s a man ? Based on a historical incident, No Surrender Soldier is the story of a boy grappling with ancient questions of courage and manhood before he can move on.

I say:  Wow! This sounds very powerful.

Now for our interview with Christine:​

1. Describe your main character in 3 adjectives + a noun.

Kiko is a shy, caring, and protective teen.

2. Describe your book in 3 adjectives + a noun.

NO SURRENDER SOLDIER is a coming-of age story about redemption and restoration.

3. Describe yourself in 3 adjectives + a noun.

Christine Kohler is a passionate, powerful, and persevering writer. (JS: I love the alliteration here!)

4. If you could travel to any 3 countries, what would they be?

France, Greece, and Australia (JS: Ooh, Greece is on my list too!)

5. If you could take any 3 non-writing-related classes, what would they be?

Art, oil painting, and Japanese tea ceremony

6. If you could have any 3 alternate careers, what would they be?

Architect, photographer, or ambassador

7. What are your 3 favorite flowers?

Orchids, plumeria, and lilies

8. What are your 3 favorite foods?

Yaki soba, spinach artichoke pesto pizza, and lobster

9. What are your 3 favorite books?

JACOB HAVE I LOVED by Katherine Paterson, POWER AND THE GLORY by Graham Greene, and MY NAME IS ASHER LEV by Chaim Potok

Thanks for stopping by, Christine!

You can find out more about Christine and NO SURRENDER SOLDIER at her website or by following her on twitter or Facebook.

There’s a Goodreads giveaway for NO SURRENDER SOLDIER. You can enter here to win 1 of 25 copies!