A MESSAGE FROM HOPE C. TARR
What inspired you to write Stardust?
Stardust is very much a love note to my dad, who served on an Allied airbase in Corsica during the Second World War, and my grandmother, Henrietta (“Hattie”), who was a bright light throughout my childhood and young adult years and the inspiration for the close relationship Rose and Daisy share. In fact, one of the characters in Stardust bears my grandmother’s name — a bit of an Easter egg!
How would you describe Stardust in 3 words?
Sweeping. Epic. Historical Saga. (Oops, I've cheated — that's four). 😉
If you could choose anyone to play the main characters in Stardust in a movie, who would you choose?
I would love to see the brilliant and stunning Eleanor Tomlinson as my Stardust heroine, Daisy. I adored Ms. Tomlinson as Demelza in Poldark on BBC One and have enjoyed her subsequent projects. Along with being a fiery ginger — as is my fictional Daisy — she brings a sublime combination of strength and vulnerability to her roles. Of course, she would have to manage a New York accent, but I would have every faith! For the dark and brooding Jean-Claude, I'm envisioning a younger version of the French actor, Olivier Martinez — he brings the perfect sexy smoulder. For Fritz, I keep coming back to Scottish actor Sam Heughan, of Outlander fame. The actor is quite a bit older than Fritz, but he can still bring the boyish charm when called for, and his six-foot three physicality certainly matches that of the character.
How do you imagine main character Daisy feels being on the other side of the world through her highs and lows?
In many ways, Stardust is a tale of two cities. My aim while writing was to bring 1930s and 1940s Paris alive for readers, to the point where the city is almost a character in the book. Throughout Stardust, Daisy is often torn between missing her family in New York, especially her grandmother Rose, and staying in her adoptive home of Paris to help fight the Nazis and be with Jean-Claude, with whom she hopes to have a future. Along with pushing back against the Germans, she struggles with internal conflicts regarding belonging and identity. As the book progresses, we see Daisy really come into her own, transforming from a starstruck girl to a courageous and capable woman.
How will you celebrate the publication day of Stardust?
I'll spend the day doing drop-in signings for my local bookstores in New York and New Jersey and then having a book launch event that evening. And, of course, a glass (or two) of prosecco.
Dear Readers,
I hope you enjoy my historical novel, Stardust, the second installment in my American Songbook series for Joffe Books. Stardust follows Daisy Blakely, beloved granddaughter of Rose (the heroine of Irish Eyes), who leaves New York in 1938 for Paris to apprentice with the legendary fashion designer, Coco Chanel.
Daisy is quickly drawn into Chanel’s glittering world, centered on the posh Ritz Hotel where the crème de la crème of Parisian society gathers, oblivious to the looming threat of Nazi Germany. An unexpected encounter with a handsome Jewish doctor, Jean-Claude Jacob, leads to love, and Daisy begins to envision a life in Paris beyond her apprenticeship. But her dreams are shattered when the Nazis take over the city. Determined to fight for her beloved adopted country and its people, she joins the Resistance. When Jean-Claude is arrested by the Gestapo, she finds her loyalties and courage tested beyond her darkest imaginings.
Stardust is very much a love note to my father, William (“Bill”), who served on an Allied airbase in Corsica during the Second World War, and my grandmother, Henrietta (“Hattie”), who was a bright light throughout my childhood and young adult years and the inspiration for the warm relationship Rose and Daisy share. One of the characters in Stardust bears my grandmother’s name — a bit of an Easter egg!
I adore hearing from readers, so please do reach out with your thoughts on the book.
Hope C. Tarr
New York, New York