KH: I think it’s both, actually. As a nonpracticing lawyer, I am extremely fascinated by the workings of our legal system. One of the things we see repeatedly is how the justice system is both helped and hindered by the aggressive reporting in today’s media. Julia was hounded by the media for not seeing her patient’s intent, while George was convicted in the press for a murder he didn’t commit. Both of their lives were arguably ruined by the media’s scrutiny, and both used Alice as their redemption. I do believe that George loved his daughter and wanted her back—but he wanted the daughter of his memory, not the damaged, frightened girl he found.
RHRC: How much research went into this book? Did you encounter anything in your research that really struck a chord with you?
KH: This book was more research-intensive than most of my books, to be honest. In addition to doing the obvious research about feral and abused children, I worked hard to understand the impact of complete isolation and growing up without any of the trappings of civilization. There was also the research into speech and communication in isolated individuals and the potential ramifications of lost speech. Beyond all of that, there were the legal, moral, and ethical questions that concerned both the media coverage and the previous trial.
RHRC: When you describe Rain Valley you make it sound so beautiful yet you’re also very honest about its drawbacks. Do you think it takes a special kind of person to live and thrive in a place like Rain Valley?
KH: I do, actually. Rain Valley is a rather stylized version of a real town in the Olympic rain forest—one you might have heard of lately: Forks, Washington. That’s right; it’s the same setting as the Twilight series. I went to school not far from the area and I know it well, and yes, you do need to be a certain kind of individual to thrive in an old-growth forest. It’s staggeringly beautiful, and very, very damp. You learn to love the mist. I was really glad to be able to bring this exquisite corner of the world alive for readers.
RHRC: Out of all your books, which book was the most difficult to write?
KH: Hmmm … that’s a toss up. I’m going to have to break the rules and give you two answers. The two most difficult books to write were Firefly Lane and Winter Garden. Firefly Lane was a deeply personal book that touched on some of the most painful issues in my life. In a way, the book was therapeutic to me, but all of that therapy came at a price. It was really difficult sometimes to find the strength to write about my memories of my mother. Winter Garden, on the other hand, was difficult to write because the subject matter, while completely unlike anything I have ever experienced, touched me in a profound way. Quite simply, I fell in love with the story in Winter Garden and I felt a true pressure to get it right. It is a powerful, heartbreaking story that I didn’t want to screw up.
RHRC: Do you ever find yourself disliking your characters?
KH: I never dislike my characters, but I often want to hit them on the head and tell them to snap out of it. Personally, I have a really difficult time with dishonesty and conflict, so I am constantly trying to make my characters act nicer or more honorably.
RHRC: How do you celebrate completing a book?
KH: I’ve gotten to the stage in my life where I celebrate all of it—starting a book, writing a book, coming up with an idea, editing a book, finishing a book. As I’ve gotten older, I have begun to realize how important it is to celebrate your choices in life. I really try to not miss an opportunity to kick back and have some fun and simply enjoy how lucky I am to be a professional writer. And when I’m really, really lucky, I get to do that celebrating on the beach in Hawaii. Preferably with a few girlfriends around me.
RHRC: What’s next for you?
KH: I can’t say yet what’s next for me. So I guess I’ll tell you a little more about the book I have out now. Winter Garden is probably my best book to date. It’s the story of two grown women who discover that their cold, distant mother has a secret past. I find that idea fascinating. What if you found out that your mom had been a super spy? Or had had another family? Or that her whole life story was a lie? I just love the idea that you can live with someone for decades and never really know them. Winter Garden is a unique novel for me—part contemporary family drama, part historical novel, part epic love story.
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS
FOR DISCUSSION
1. Kristin Hannah writes that “the modern world no longer believed in senseless tragedy.” Why do you think people often need to hold someone accountable when something goes wrong? Is it human nature to play the blame game? Would a guilty verdict have offered the parents of those killed some solace? Do you think it’s ultimately better to seek justice or to simply forgive in a situation like this one?
2. After seeing Amber Zuniga for three years, should Julia have been able to foresee the events that unfolded? What kind of culpability should a psychiatrist have for the crimes of their patients? Is it really possible to predict human behavior?
3. Before the tragedy, Julia was considered to be one of the best psychiatrists in the country. Would you trust Julia with your children after everything that happened?