Photo by Peter Blankman
Anne Blankman is the author of the new middle grade novel The Enemy's Daughter. Her other books include the middle grade novel The Blackbird Girls. She lives in Richmond, Virginia.
Q: What inspired you to write The Enemy’s Daughter, and how did you create your character Marta?
A: When I was working as a middle school librarian, I collaborated with a social studies teacher on a unit about World War I. I was standing in the back of the classroom, waiting to help students with research, while the teacher talked about major wartime events, including the bombing of the Lusitania. I thought, I wonder what it would have been like to have been a passenger on that ship.
That thought stuck in my mind, and I began playing with ideas about a young girl who survives the sinking of the Lusitania—and who finds herself shipwrecked in an “enemy” country.
Q: How would you describe the dynamic between your characters Marta and Clare?
A: This is a tricky question because the relationship between Marta and Clare changes throughout the story.
Marta is from Germany and Clare from Ireland, and because their countries are at war Marta initially expects that she and Clare will be enemies. She soon realizes that they have a lot in common, such as a love of books and acting.
Although the girls quickly become friends, Marta fears that their friendship isn’t real because she hasn’t told Clare her true identity. Deep down, she worries that their different beliefs and goals would drive them apart, if Clare finds out who she truly is. I imagine their dynamic as a tug-of-war, going back and forth.
Q: How did you research the novel, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?
A: I love research! I could keep reading and taking notes forever! Before I begin a new manuscript, I start by reading what I call “foundation books.” These are books that cover the relevant time period in broad strokes.
Once I feel that I have a good grasp of the basics, I read works that cover narrower topics. I study old maps, watch documentaries, look at old photographs, and listen to radio broadcasts (if there are any). I also like to read fiction and listen to music from the pertinent era. Taking extensive notes is also helpful.
By the time I’ve finished writing up my research, I usually have written 300-400 single-spaced pages.
While researching World War I, I was struck by how many similarities there were between that time period and current events. The saying, “Time moves in circles,” is certainly true.
Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, “Themes of prejudice, friendship, kindness, truth, and wartime inhumanity thread this heartfelt story.” What do you think of that description?
A: I love it! And of course, I hope that readers feel the same way.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I have two new middle-grade historical books coming out in 2027 and 2028! The publishing announcement hasn’t come out yet, so I can’t say more right now. But I’m very excited!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Thanks so much for having me!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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