Book Tour – The Takeaway Men by Meryl Ain

*Author Interview*

1. Your novel, The Takeaway Men, is historical fiction and takes place after World War II? Why did you want to write about this time period?

First, I have been extremely interested in the Holocaust and its aftermath ever since I read The Diary of Anne Frank as an elementary school student. Later, I taught history in high school, and researched and learned even more about it. I have been reading books and watching films about it ever since. I have known Holocaust survivors and their children as friends and I have also interviewed them from time to time for various publications. While there are many Holocaust novels out there, there are not many about the post-Holocaust era. I thought it was important to focus on the survivors and their children and what they experienced after the war. While most Americans were experiencing a kind of euphoria and sense of empowerment and possibility, the survivor parents were experiencing PTSD and either silently or verbally passing that on to their children. I believed this was an important story to be told and that there were many themes and messages that were relevant to today.

2. What are some of those themes?

The whole question of immigration is very current. How do we treat newcomers to this country? Do we acknowledge that they are often escaping traumatic hardships? Do we welcome them or shun them? Also, how do we treat those whom we consider different, “the other?” Religious identity is also a big question in the book – Is it something we inherit or something we choose? Is it static or fluid? Can we embrace more than one religion at a time? Also relevant is: How do we react to evil in our world? Do we participate because everyone else is doing it? Do we stand idly by and do nothing? Or do we speak out and take action against it? The whole question of what parents choose to share with their children is an important theme in the novel. Is it better to expose the painful truth or perpetuate secrets and lies? And, when is it the appropriate time for adults to reveal the truth to children? These questions are all timely and timeless. And that’s why I love historical fiction. Most of these issues are timely and timeless.

3. Who are your readers?

I’ve already gotten great feedback from lovers of historical fiction, and those with a particular interest in the Second Generation – the children of survivors. The novel deals also with other current events during this time period, including the controversial trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were tried, convicted, and executed for spying for the Soviet Union. In addition, it describes growing up as a baby boomer in Queens, New York in the ‘50s and ‘60s. I’ve been told that both boomers and their kids get a kick from the references to TV shows, such as Howdy Doody, as well as toys and games of the day. There are also more serious reminders, such as the “take cover” drills in public schools because of the widespread fear of a nuclear attack. It is essentially a story of twin sisters and is at its heart, a family saga. As one reviewer wrote: The Takeaway Men is also a portrait of the power of love and the ability of family to embrace and heal.” Finally, I’ve gotten a wonderful reaction from book clubs that want to read and discuss it.

4. Will you be meeting with book clubs?

Yes, definitely. Before the pandemic, I had challenged myself to meet with 100 book clubs this year – either virtually or in person. But now it looks like it will be mostly virtual – at least for the foreseeable future. I love book clubs and I’m actually a member of two and would join more if I had the time. On my website, merylain.com/ there’s a page with sample book club questions. But I am also more than happy to tailor them for a particular group.

5. How has it been trying to launch a book during this difficult time period?

Well at first,  I, and all of my author friends, who were launching books, panicked. Needless to say, many  — if not most or all — of our in-person events were cancelled or postponed. Time will tell whether they will take place. But the blessing is that there has been an unbelievable amount of interaction, support and interest online. Every day, I’m approached to do virtual events. So, I find I am living online and that’s another reason why I’m so happy to do this interview. People are buying more books than ever online – either from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org and others — or even through your local bookstore. And I understand that reading is becoming a more important activity than ever during this challenging time. After all, a good book is still the best way to escape and enjoy – without going anywhere physically!