Paulette Kennedy is the author of the new novel The Artist of Blackberry Grange. Her other books include The Devil and Mrs. Davenport. She lives in Southern California.
Q: What inspired you to write The Artist of Blackberry Grange, and how did you create your characters Sadie and Marguerite?
A: I was inspired to write The Artist of Blackberry Grange because I wanted to tell a story about generational trauma, and the ways in which the choices our ancestors make—for good and for ill—trickle down through time to their descendants.
With Sadie, I wanted to center a flawed and imperfect main character who must grapple with her own choices as she finds meaning in becoming a caregiver to her great-aunt Marguerite, and the empathy and selflessness that role requires of her.
With Marguerite, I wanted to challenge society’s perceptions of the elderly. Despite her dementia, Marguerite is a strong-willed, vital woman who lives a rich life and used her talents to pave a way to independence during a time when that was rare for women.
Q: How would you describe the dynamic between them?
A: Sadie and Marguerite are alike in many ways, but they are also quite different—like reflections in a mirror. Sadie has a lot of growing up to do. Marguerite’s wisdom becomes a guiding force in Sadie’s life, but it also creates tension between them as Marguerite challenges many of Sadie’s perspectives on class and society.
Q: The writer Kris Waldherr called the book, “Part Dorian Gray and part exploration of the dark legacy of family trauma...” What do you think of that description?
A: Well, I admire Kris greatly, and I’m honored that she said such kind things. I think it’s an apt description.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a treatise on class, privilege, and the terrible things the wealthy get up to, and my novel has those elements. Plus, there’s Marguerite’s paintings and how they seem to have a life of their own.
The generational trauma comes about due to the dark secrets in the Thorne family’s legacy and the guilt, shame, and selfishness that influence their actions with their children and grandchildren.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?
A: The main thing I hope readers take away is empathy. That’s always my hope for my novels. Empathy for caregivers, their loved ones receiving care, and respect for the end-of-life period.
I also hope my novel, in some small way, inspires people to look at their own family dynamics and have the courage to break cycles of toxic behavior.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m in revisions for my fifth novel, The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael, which follows a woman who is buried alive, and later accused of a series of vampiric murders in 19th-century Charleston, South Carolina.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: You can find me online at https://paulettekennedy.com/ and subscribe to my monthly newsletter, where I often feature giveaways, reading recommendations, and updates about my books.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Paulette Kennedy.
What a wonderful interview! Now my curiosity is piqued by both "The Artist" and "The Two Deaths"!
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