Setting a time: an interview with Morag McKendrick Pippin

For the third Monday in a row, I am privileged to have a guest interviewee. Morag McKendrick Pippin has written three incredible romantic suspense novels, two set during World War II. So, of course, I had to ask...

I have loved all three of your books, but particularly your latest, PERFIDIA, set in Germany just before World War II. BLOOD MOON OVER BENGAL and BLOOD MOON OVER BRITAIN took place in 1930s India and 1942 London, respectively. Why the fascination with this time period?

Morag replies:

"How exciting to have lived in the early 20th century! It opened a whole new world into transportation, communication, scientific innovation -- and said a resounding good-bye to the social and fashion restrictions of the last century.

"So many new doors opened for women. WWI and WWII brought women to the forefront and proved we could run the country while the men fought overseas. Women proved able to head businesses, work in the factories, and pilot aircraft as well or better than men.

"This was the time for the new woman. Hemlines went up, hair was cut, and cosmetics applied. And for the first time women publicly indulged in the masculine luxuries of smoking, drinking, and gambling. But new responsibilities came with new freedoms.

"And, unlike any other period in history -- we may enjoy firsthand account of this fascinating era: movies, taped radio broadcasts, vinyl records, and eye witnesses.

"I've always been fascinated by WWI, the roaring '20's and WWII. It seemed my voice matched the era: not quite modern but quite historical."

Thank you, Morag!