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Child of Secrets From Afar follows a couple looking to grow their family. They adopt two Vietnamese girls, one of whom has an enigmatic past and goes missing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I remember hearing that some of the Vietnamese orphans rescued during Operation Babylift in 1975 weren’t really orphans at all. Some of the older children had intact families back in Vietnam and wanted to return home. That always intrigued me. I wondered if their parents had deliberately sent them away from the war zone for safety reasons, or if they’d been accidentally swept up, which is what happened to some children I’d seen profiled on a documentary, or what. There’s an element of the unknown in an adoption, where the new parents just don’t know everything about the former life of their adopted child. I figured that might make a good basis for a mystery, especially one involving a child from the days when South Vietnam was falling and the place was in utter chaos.
When writing a new novel, what comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
The plot. Definitely the plot! I get an idea for a story, choose the time and place, and I start building on that. The characters just start to pop into my head once I’ve settled on the story premise. I can easily visualize them as I start to write about them.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
I always loved books as a child, especially mysteries. Nancy Drew, The Bobbsey Twins, The Happy Hollisters – I loved them all. Mysteries are still my favorite genre. I must have literally hundreds of books on my Kindle. Besides, I wholeheartedly enjoy putting a story together. It’s not like work for me. It’s fun!
Can you share any upcoming projects or plans for future books?
I work on several at a time, believe it or not. I came up with an idea for one recently, a mystery set right here in New York City, where I live, and have been working on it. I also think a few of my previous books, like BACKSTABBED ON BROADWAY and A CHARM WITHOUT A CHAIN, could be turned into series. Both of those have characters that it would be fun to put into new situations with new mysteries to solve.
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When a strange Vietnamese man Belinda doesn’t know takes such an interest in Liana that he tracks her to the O’Malley’s Indiana hometown, Belinda has to wonder what is going on. The stakes are raised higher when their new daughter, who isn’t forthcoming about her past, goes missing not long after this odd guy shows up.
Who is this man? What does he want with her child? And what, for that matter, went on with eight-year-old Liana, back in Vietnam, to have sparked this whole dilemma in the first place?
A riveting mystery about a well-intentioned American family and their adopted child of secrets.
Child of Secrets From Afar
In Child of Secrets From Afar, the author weaves a gripping narrative that explores the complex dynamics of an American family completing its circle through adoption. Belinda and Jonathan, after years of yearning for a sibling for their daughter, adopt two Vietnamese girls; one who has spent her whole life in an orphanage and the other with an enigmatic past. The story unfolds as the family encounters unforeseen challenges and secrets, particularly concerning the girls’ adjustment to their new life.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in the author’s nuanced portrayal of family and adoption. Quinn’s detailed narrative vividly depicts the character’s emotions and experiences, drawing readers into the heart of the family’s journey. The mystery element is skillfully interwoven, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the truths hidden in the girls’ pasts. The character development, especially of Belinda, is a highlight. Her determination to protect and understand her daughters adds a layer of depth to the story, offering a resonant depiction of familial love and commitment.
The narrative style is immersive, allowing readers to envision the unfolding events and feel an integral part of the story. The novel presents a unique plot with well-crafted characters and an engaging mystery at its core. Quinn’s descriptive storytelling not only maintains the reader’s interest but also thoroughly examines what it means to be a family.
As the story reaches its conclusion, the intricacies of the family’s journey are revealed with a deft touch, providing a satisfying resolution to the mysteries that have been so central to the narrative. Quinn’s skillful storytelling ensures that the themes of family, belonging, and the enduring power of love resonate long after the final page is turned.
Child of Secrets From Afar offers a compelling tale and invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of adoption and the unbreakable bonds that can form within a family, regardless of its origins. It’s a poignant reminder of the lengths we go to for those we love, making it a memorable and impactful read.
Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0CVNBXZ98
LITERARY TITAN 