Q&A with M.J. Rose

 

 

 

M.J. Rose is the author of the new novel The Last Tiara. Her many other books include the novel Cartier's Hope. 

 

Q: Why did you decide to focus on the Faberge jewelry firm in your new novel?

 

A: The real tiara I based the book on was made in Russia during the late 1800s but it's not known who the jeweler was.

 

So when it came time to pick a firm, Faberge was the natural choice.

 

First, they were the preeminent Russian jeweler and a favorite of the Romanovs. Also, I have always loved their work and this gave me a chance to research them and really delve into their work and buy the coffee table book on Faberge I've always wanted but was too expensive to buy if it wasn't research. 

 

Q: How would you describe the relationship between your two protagonists, Sofiya and her daughter Isobelle?

 

A: They had a very close relationship despite the fact that Sofiya was determined not to share the tragic aspects of her youth with her. She wanted to protect Isobelle from the sadness and pain. In making that effort she did exactly the opposite. 

Q: How would you compare the jewel you wrote about in Cartier's Hope, the Hope Diamond, with this tiara?

 

A: They are both stunning, important pieces. Each are storied pieces that have long histories and were owned by fascinating people. That's what they have in common. It's that quality that inspires me to choose one specific piece over another.  

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: I believe mystery and magic are all around us, but we are too often too busy to notice... in all my books I exaggerate mystery and magic, and draw attention to it in the hopes that I by doing so I will remind my readers to look for it and revel in it. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: The real story about the missing tiara is here: https://theadventurine.com/culture/books-exhibitions/how-i-found-the-last-tiara/

 

Also please follow me on Instagram @mjroseauthor where, when I'm not posting pictures of my dog, I post short pieces I write about other jewels that inspire me.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with M.J. Rose.