Skip to content
  • HOME
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
  • HOME
  • custom-logo
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
Books

Book Tour // Q & A with Kate Hamer (The Girl in the Red Coat)

February 16, 2016February 16, 2016 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 3 comments
Book Tour // Q & A with Kate Hamer (The Girl in the Red Coat)

girlinredcoatNote – I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. No affiliate links were used in this post.

THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT was one of my most anticipated reads for 2016, so I was really excited when I was asked to be part of the book tour and when I had the opportunity to ask Kate Hamer a few questions. If you’re interested, the book was released TODAY so you can check it out right away. My Q&A is down below, but first, I’ll share the synopsis and a quick review.

SYNOPSIS

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Melville House (February 16, 2016)

Costa Book Award for First Novel finalist
Dagger Award finalist

Newly single mom Beth has one constant, gnawing worry: that her dreamy eight-year-old daughter, Carmel, who has a tendency to wander off, will one day go missing. And then one day, it happens: On a Saturday morning thick with fog, Beth takes Carmel to a local outdoor festival, they get separated in the crowd, and Carmel is gone. Shattered, Beth sets herself on the grim and lonely mission to find her daughter, keeping on relentlessly even as the authorities tell her that Carmel may be gone for good. Carmel, meanwhile, is on a strange and harrowing journey of her own—to a totally unexpected place that requires her to live by her wits, while trying desperately to keep in her head, at all times, a vision of her mother …  Alternating between Beth’s story and Carmel’s, and written in gripping prose that won’t let go, The Girl in the Red Coat—like Emma Donoghue’s Room and M. L. Stedman’s The Light Between Oceans—is an utterly immersive story that’s impossible to put down . . . and impossible to forget.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ll keep my thoughts short and quick, because we have a Q&A to get to, but I absolutely loved this book. The writing was absolutely beautiful and Hamer’s descriptions made me feel like I was part of the story. I felt like I was there, living through these events with Beth and Carmel. When I opened the book I thought I’d enjoy Beth’s narrative and get through Carmel’s, but I loved hers as well. Carmel really captured my heart. If you’re looking for a thriller that you can sit down and savor, this is it!

Q&A WITH KATE HAMER

1 // Where did the idea for the novel come from?

It started with a central image I had – it felt at the time random or out of the blue – of a little girl standing in a dark forest lost and alone. She’s wearing a red coat and this little girl became the Carmel of the book. I’ve heard many writers say this – that the idea started as a powerful image like that and it’s a matter of figuring out who it is and what their story is. Of course later you realise there are a whole mess of influences that lead up to it. Amongst films and books probably the central influence in this is Little Red Riding Hood.

2 // Why did you choose to tell it from two perspectives?

When I came to writing the first chapter it was surprising because the voice that immediately leapt out at me wasn’t Carmel, but her mother Beth, talking about her daughter and how much she’s missing her. After that it seemed completely natural to tell the story in two voices. It also pleased me to be telling the story of mother and daughter in their own voices. I think it’s a really interesting relationship – mother and daughter – and one that doesn’t often seem to get star billing in literature.

3 // How much did the story change from what you originally had in mind as you wrote it?

The basic story did not change at all although plenty else did. I wrote the last paragraph around the same time as the first few chapters so I always knew where I was headed and the big arcs of how to get there. However there were surprises along the way, which are always lovely when you’re writing because it keeps it so fresh. There are the characters of the twins, for instance, that almost popped out of nowhere clamouring to be heard. It then went through an editing process, first with my agent and then the editor at Faber & Faber and both were brilliant in bringing out the very best in the book. It was streamlined, two chapters got merged into one, one character was got rid of and a new one emerged. It was a long process of developing, strengthening and I’ve no doubt it became a far, far better book for it. The fundamental plot stayed as was though from when I first envisaged it in just a few short weeks.

4 // Can you tell us anything about your next novel?

Yes – I’m busily working to deadline on it. I’m on about the third draft but I want to do another one – strengthening, enriching (hopefully!). It’s a coming of age novel about a girl called Ruby and has more than a dash of the supernatural in it. I’ve started a third novel too but I’m trying to keep that at bay until this one is finished. Writing is so time consuming. It’s hard when you have ideas bubbling over – you just want to get them down on the page!

A BIG thank you to Kate Hamer for answering my questions and to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing the opportunity.

Kate.Hamer_

 

About Kate Hamer

KATE HAMER is a winner of the Rhys Davies Short Story Prize. Girl in the Red Coat is her first novel. It is shortlisted for the Costa Book Award for First Novel and a finalist for The Dagger Award. She lives in Cardiff, Wales with her husband and two children.

 

 

 

 

[Tweet “Loved this Q&A with Kate Hamer, author of THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT! #amreading #bookworm”]

 

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

Post navigation

Book Tour // The Ex by Alafair Burke
Book Tour // Girl Through Glass by Sari Wilson

3 comments

  1. Shann says:
    February 16, 2016 at 11:47 am

    That book sounds awesome. Great review and Q&A. I’m putting it on my list, and suggesting to book club.

    Reply
  2. Mattie says:
    February 17, 2016 at 1:19 am

    This is so awesome that you were able to get in touch with the author for a Q & A! This book looks really good & I’m going to have to add it to my must reads!!
    ~Mattie
    http://www.mattiesmakings.com

    Reply
  3. Heather J @ TLC Book Tours says:
    February 20, 2016 at 10:40 am

    Thanks for featuring Kate for the tour!

    Reply

Share Your Thoughts! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. 💙
Hello, friends! 👋🏼 Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! 👋🏼 Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. “The water looks cold,” I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. 😂)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. 😍 PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
See More Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

  • Saying Goodbye to Crystal the Writer
  • The Day the Sorcerers Visited Baby Jesus
  • Thoughts on Hope
  • Christmas Playlist // 2022
  • Life Under Construction

CATEGORIES

  • Adventures (52)
  • Beauty (16)
  • Books (147)
  • Creativity (57)
  • Entertainment (18)
  • Life (224)
  • Uncategorized (539)
  • Wellness (8)

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow
  • Book Review Policy
  • BOOKS
  • Contact
  • DISCLOSURES
  • Insta Links
  • Seint Links
  • THE DREAMER
Copyright © 2023 | All Rights Reserved | © 2023. All text and photos belong to Crystal Brutlag, unless otherwise stated. Theme designed by Little Theme Shop: https://littlethemeshop.com

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Dreams, etc. // Minneapolis Lifestyle Blog
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.