Mrs. Tuesday's Departure by Suzanne E. Anderson
Publisher: Henry and George Press
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Summary: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…
Hungary's fragile alliance with Germany kept Natalie, a renowned children’s book author, and her family out of harm's way for most of the war. Now as the Führer's desperation grows during the waning years of the conflict, so does its threat. Natalie's younger sister, Ilona, married a Jewish man, putting both her and her young daughter, Mila, in peril; Natalie's twin sister, Anna, is losing her already tenuous hold on reality. As the streets of Budapest thrum with the pounding boots of Nazi soldiers, danger creeps to the doorstep where Natalie shields them all.
Ilona and her husband take the last two tickets to safety for themselves, abandoning Natalie to protect Anna and Mila from the encroaching danger. Anna's paranoid explosion at a university where was once a professor, sparked by delusions over an imagined love triangle, threatens their only other chance for escape. Ultimately, Natalie is presented with a choice no one should ever have to make; which of her family will she save?
An inspirational story of faith and family, strength and weakness, and the ultimate triumph of love over hate. Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure demonstrates the power of faith to light even the most harrowing darkness.
... faith is the evidence of things not seen
Interview with Suzanne Anderson
What do you do when you are not writing?
I've been doing a lot more reading lately, which feels wonderful because I'd gotten away from the enjoyment of just curling up with a good book and had been spending way too much time on the Internet.
And now that the weather here in Colorado is turning warmer, I enjoy taking my two Newfoundlands, Henry and George, out for long walks. I'm planning to run my first 10K this summer, so I've been getting ready for that, as well.
How did you choose the genre you write in?
I never chose the genre, the premise for the story came and I started writing. I think that's the only way I can work. For instance, I love historical romances, but as much as I'd love to write one, I've never had the spark of a story that would send me down that path.
Where do you get your ideas?
Sometimes it's just a character who appears in my mind. Or a 'what would I do if' question. In the case of Mrs. Tuesday's Departure, it was both. Natalie appeared first, and then a series of questions that became different characters in the story.
Have you had any authors or books that have inspired your writing?
I have been inspired by the beautiful writing of A.S. Byatt, and the incredibly imaginative plot of The Story of PI.
Can you share any challenges you had in getting your book published?
I have been writing novels for fifteen years, and yet only published this year. I am incredibly grateful to the indie-publishing revolution that has allowed authors like me to stop waiting in the wings, and finally have the opportunity to get our books into the hands of readers. It's the best feeling in the world.
What was your favorite character / part of Mrs. Tuesday’s Departure to write?
Natalie is most like me (I hope). But Anna was fun to write simply because she was so unpredictable and fearless, perhaps because of her growing dementia and perhaps she was always like that.
How did you come up with the title?
I wrote the story of Mrs. Tuesday later.....when I wanted to create a way to show the possibility of a happy ending. The name was created as a nod to the fact that Natalie was a children's book writer and so the name should be whimsical.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Never give up. This is the best time in the world to be a writer, there are so many venues to get your writing out there.
Do you have anything in the works right now?
Yes! I have a children's chapter book that will be coming out in a couple months. And then a contemporary love story!
Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers / fans?
I am so very grateful to everyone who reads Mrs. Tuesday. This truly is a dream come true. Thank you!
And if you'd like to keep in touch, please visit me at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzanne-Anderson-Author-Page/201662786512944
or my blog: http://www.suzanneanderson.net/
Thank you!
Thank you, Suzanne, and thank you for your time.
My Thoughts on Mrs. Tuesday's Departure
Mrs. Tuesday's Departure is a story that really tugs at the ole heart-strings. Natalie, our protagonist, has to make some very tough decisions.
Natalie used to live a quiet, comfortable life with her husband, but since his death, her family has moved in with her, and she is drawn into their issues. Her twin sister Anna, who was a poet, has had an emotional breakdown, possibly Alzheimers, and needs constant looking after. Her younger sister, who has married a Jewish man, has moved her family (husband and daughter) in with Natalie during this time of Nazi occupation of Hungary, so there is the constant worry of when the Nazis will show up at their door, putting everyone at risk - especially Natalie's niece Mila.
This book is a quick, easy read. I sat down and read it Saturday, on and off as I was going through my day. I found it to be a very enjoyable read. Although it is about the Nazi occupation, it does not focus so much on the typical scenario of the Holocaust. Rather the story is wrapped around the family dynamic and Natalie's point-of-view. I found the writing style to be very relaxing, even with the hard decisions that had to be made.
My heart went out to Natalie and her situation. I could see myself making many of the same choices as she did. I would get so upset with her sisters for putting her in the situations they did. I also felt so sorry for Mila - an innocent in the whole thing. I felt Natalie to be a very strong character.
There is a little love twist built into the story, but it does not really blossom. I kept hoping it would, but the story wrapped up really nicely without it. I wasn't even missing it in the end.
You really need to pick this one up to read. You will not be dissatisfied.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for… It truly is!!!
Giveaway
What did you recently finish reading? The last book I have read is The Rock of Ivanore by Laurisa White Reyes. This is a wonderful middle grade fantasy. It is a quick read, that I think all middle school students would love and relate to. You can see my review here.
What do you think you'll read next? I will be reading Mrs. Tuesday's Departure by Suzanne E. Anderson. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so I am very excited to read this one. I will also be picking up Watched by Cindy Hogan. This one involves a school trip to Washington D.C., murder, and the FBI. Yeah, this one should be a fun read!!!
