Susan McGuirk is the author of the new novel Dear Missing Friend. She has worked at HBO and Anthology Film Archives, and she lives in New York City.
Q: You’ve said that an inspiration for your new novel came from your own family history--can you say more about that?
A: In a sense Catherine found me, not the other way around. While doing family research like so many people, I came upon an advertisement her husband Michael placed searching for her.
It wasn’t until I happened upon another advertisement placed by him four years later, still looking for Cath, that my imagination went into overdrive. Why didn’t she answer him? Was she alive? Why did he use her maiden name in the ads? A story was born.
The settings were places the characters actually lived, and I researched their travels and pursuits to follow the tale wherever it led me.
Q: Why did you decide to write an epistolary novel?
A: I spent years working in film programming for television and a museum. I read a lot of scripts and felt comfortable with dramatic writing. I’m also a big theater fan, so dialogue and images are how I thought about stories. When I had my own to tell, letter writing just seemed the natural way to express my penchant for dialogue.
Q: The Midwest Book Review’s review of the novel says, “McGuirk creates a powerful foundation for a story that embraces many elements, from history to mystery, using Catherine’s strengths and character to bring this era to life.” What do you think of that description?
A: My first thought was being grateful for the kind words. I did try to remain faithful to the time period and tried to stay as accurate as possible. My editor became exasperated at times with me insisting on mid-1800s usage. For instance, they did not use the word “work” for employment, using “labor” or “trade” instead.
Much of what Catherine endures is directly related to her place in history, so it was a natural adversary for her. The same problems she had are still with us, like prejudice against immigrants and women, but it was as though they were on steroids then.
Q: How was the novel’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?
A: The title is based on the Missing Friends column that was syndicated to newspapers nationally. It was where Irish people placed advertisements looking for lost relatives and friends in the new world. Michael used it twice looking for Cath, and his sister to find him. The “dear” was to signify the epistolary genre.
A hundred and fifty years ago, our lifespans were much shorter. Loss was a common occurrence, as medicine was primitive and indoor plumbing virtually nonexistent. As lives went along loved ones became missing, especially mothers giving birth and vulnerable children. There was a certain degree of expectation and acceptance of this – it was a different way to behold life from how we see it now.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I want to continue the story with a couple of characters in the next generation.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I’m very excited for my pub day on May 19 for Dear Missing Friend. Thanks for the opportunity to speak with you and for the thoughtful questions, Deborah.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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