Helen Martin Block is the author of “The Shoemaker’s Daughter,” released earlier this year. The novel tells the story of Aron and Gitel, a young Jewish couple in Poland who must make desperate choices to survive the Nazi terror, and is based on years of research by the author, the daughter of Holocaust survivors.
From 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on July 18, Block will participate in the Wilton Library's Local Author Showcase, where signed copies of her novel will be available for purchase.
What inspired you to tell this story?
Unlike most children of survivors of the Holocaust, my parents talked about their experience during the war. My mind was filled with images and questions. And when I asked, they were candid. Not long before my mother died, she told me I should write “my story.” But when I started, it turned into their story.
How did you begin? Did you research or do other prep work, or jump right in?
I jumped right in. Fortunately, I had video taped my father. He gave details I was reminded of when I began writing. That led me to research the possible places he was taken to as a prisoner of war. He has said it was 70 km from Switzerland but did not name the stalag. It led me to a search and then more and more information surfaced. I began investigating the possible battle of his capture and I wanted to know so much more about the history of Poland, the German war effort and so on.
What do you do when you feel stuck or stumped with your writing?
I do more research and it motivates me.
What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you learned about the creative process while writing your book?
What was the hardest part, and what was your favorite part?
The hardest part was disassociating my parents from the characters they eventually became in the book. It is difficult to say what the favorite part is, but liberating my imagination to deepen characters and include ones that made the story even more ‘real’ is high on the list.
Who are three authors who inspire you?
Aharon Appelfeld. I heard him speak at Yale years ago and discovered his work. I was inspired by his style, personal background, and how differently he approached the problems of being the ‘other ‘ in society.
Alice Munro, because she writes so much from her personal experience and locale. She writes clear accessible prose. I admire her longevity and commitment to her craft. She takes risks, and I like her disregard for rules.
Graham Greene. His mastery of character and the depths of inner voice, his choice of what he writes and examines, the direct power of his words, the tension, the misery, the truth.
What’s the best writing advice you have been given?
Write simple, be clear; be straight -forward.
What are you writing now?
A sequel, the story I began before this book. Another irony of life.
The Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Rd. in Wilton, Conn. For more information, phone (203) 762-3950, Ext. 213 or visit wiltonlibrary.org.