Thrice Interview + Giveaway: IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS
Hi! Today we’re celebrating the release of Cat Winters’ IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS!
They say: In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?
Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time.
“Winters strikes just the right balance between history and ghost story, neatly capturing the tenor of the times, as growing scientific inquiry collided with heightened spiritualist curiosity.”
—Kirkus Reviews
I say: IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS is one of the most grippingly atmospheric books I’ve ever read. The San Diego of 1918, affected by both Spanish flu and WWI alike, is terribly haunting. And Mary Shelley Black is a wonderful character – a strong, curious, clever girl, loyal to her pacifist father and her childhood friend even when it causes any number of complications for her.
Now for my interview with Cat:
1. Describe your main character in 3 adjectives + a noun.
Mary Shelley Black is a curious, stubborn, compassionate intellect. (JS: Perfect!)
2. Describe your book in 3 adjectives + a noun.
IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS is a dark, romantic, ghostly mystery.
3. Describe yourself in 3 adjectives + a noun.
I’m an organized, creative, literary nerd. (JS: Me too!)
4. If you could travel to any 3 countries, what would they be?
England, France, and Germany
5. If you could take any 3 non-writing-related classes, what would they be?
Graphic design, filmmaking, cooking (desserts)
6. If you could have any 3 alternate careers, what would they be?
Graphic designer, historian, movie director
7. What are your 3 favorite flowers?
Roses, purple hyacinths, baby’s breath
8. What are your 3 favorite foods?
Club sandwiches, crab legs, and chocolate chip cookies
9. What are your 3 favorite books?
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee, THE BOOK THIEF by Marcus Zusak, and ALIAS GRACE by Margaret Atwood
Excellent! Thanks so much for stopping by, Cat! I hope you have a wonderful pub day!
Cat has generously volunteered to give away a signed copy of IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS – available in the US or Canada only! To enter, comment and tell us what YOUR favorite Gothic novel is! Contest open through Saturday at noon.
You can find out more about Cat by checking out her website or following her on Twitter or Facebook or Goodreads! And you should check out the twitter chat between her and Lauren DeStefano today at 4pm EST – hashtag #blackbirdsnovel!
I've been wanting to read this book for so long! I'm currently reading the Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd which I am absolutely LOVING, so I'd have to say that is my favourite Gothic novel.
Ooh, I'm dying to read MADMAN'S DAUGHTER! I got it ages ago at a signing Megan did but I haven't had a chance to read it yet! So glad you're enjoying it.
My favorite Gothic novel is probably FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley (ha!). I also love the works of WIlliam Faulkner.
I've never read FRANKENSTEIN, but I'm super-psyched for Jon Skovron's riff on it, MAN-MADE BOY, coming this fall!
I love the thrice interviews! I haven’t read all that many gothic novels, but my favorite that I have read is The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancy. Thanks for the interview and giveaway! I’m really excited to read In The Shadow Of Blackbirds. Having a signed copy would be awesome!
Ooh, I still haven't read the MONSTRUMOLOGIST books, but my editor's working with Yancey now on the 5th Wave series, so I've got to read that soon!
Thanks for the giveaway!
But you want me to pick a favorite? How am I supposed to do that?
I love Frankenstein and The Phantom of the Opera but I guess The Picture of Dorian Gray holds a special place in my heart.
Eek, can you believe I've never read ANY of those? I've got to brush up on my old school Gothics!
Oh Dracula, HANDS DOWN!!! I loveee gothic novels!
Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
Yay for Gothic novels! Would you believe I've never read DRACULA, though?
WHAT ABOUT FRANKENSTEIN AND THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY! calicolady60@hotmail.com
Thanks for entering, Shelley! I've never read that!
Hmm….I would say my favorite gothic novel is The Diviners…I would say that is gothic at least? I really enjoyed her writing style, and it gave me the chills! In other words, it was perfect 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway, Cat!
THE DIVINERS sounds Gothic to me, or at least like it has a touch of horror? I've had that for ages and still haven't read it, although I've loved Libba's other books! So many books, so little time…
I think my favorite gothic novel is probably The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins…or maybe Rebecca. I hope you get to England, Germany, and France–maybe you can knock them all out in one trip:)
I've never read THE WOMAN IN WHITE, but I remember loving REBECCA. Have you read NEW GIRL, a recent YA riff on REBECCA? It was interesting!
I'd probably have to go with Dracula! Thanks! Great giveaway and so excited to read this book!
I've never read DRACULA!
FRANKENSTEIN hands down! Those chapters where ther monster tells his story always break my heart! SUCH an amazing book! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I've actually never read FRANKENSTEIN, but I loved seeing the play version with Benedict Cumberbatch & Jonny Lee Miller!
Probably my favorite Gothic novel is THE MYSTERIES OF UDOLPHO by Anne Radcliffe.
I've never read that one, but I love how Catherine talks about it in NORTHANGER ABBEY!
Hmm. My favorite Gothic novel is Dracula, or the House of the Seven Gables if that counts.
I haven't read either of those! I fail!
Hmm, my favorite gothic book is Frankenstein 🙂
I haven't read FRANKENSTEIN, but I'm excited for Jon Skovron's upcoming riff on it, MAN-MADE BOY!
I'd say Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. Thanks for the giveaway! I'd love to read this book. It sounds so good!
IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS is fascinating – it's so atmospheric! I've never read FRANKENSTEIN!
FRANKENSTEIN ALL THE WAY! Thanks for the giveaway!
So many recommendations for FRANKENSTEIN, and I've never read it!
I don't think I have ever read a gothic novel, so all the more reason to get this one! I am dying to try it out 🙂
thanks for the giveaway!
email: wright.emily[at]aol[dot]com
IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS is fascinating – I hope you'll enjoy it!