By Glen Craney
Two armies. One flag. No honor.
The most shocking day in American history.
Former political journalist Glen Craney brings to life the little-known story of the Bonus March of 1932, which culminates in a bloody clash between homeless World War I veterans and U.S. Army regulars on the streets of Washington, D.C.
Mired in the Great Depression and on the brink of revolution, the nation holds its collective breath as a rail-riding hobo named Walter Waters leads 40,000 destitute men and their families to the steps of the U.S. Capitol on a desperate quest for economic justice.
This timely epic evokes the historical novels of Jeff Sharra as it sweeps across three decades following eight Americans who survive the fighting in France and come together fourteen years later to determine the fate of a country threatened by communism and fascism.
From the Boxer Rebellion in China to the Plain of West Point, from the persecution of conscientious objectors to the horrors of the Marne, from the Hoovervilles of the heartland to the pitiful Anacostia encampment, here is an unforgettable portrayal of the political intrigue and government betrayal that ignited the only violent conflict between two American armies.
Awards:
Foreword Magazine Book-of-the-Year Finalist
Chaucer Award Book-of-the-Year Finalist
indieBRAG Medallion Honoree
Praise for The Yanks are Starving:
"[A] wonderful source of historical fact wrapped in a compelling novel." -- Historical Novel Society Reviews
"[A] vivid picture of not only men being deprived of their veterans' rights, but of their human rights as well.…Craney performs a valuable service by chronicling it in this admirable book." — Military Writers Society of America
Writing Interview questions.
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
I stumbled upon the story of the Bonus Army more than thirty years ago while working as a political reporter in the nation’s capital for Congressional Quarterly magazine. I saw it first as a movie and wrote the story as a film screenplay. The script received lots of praise from producers, and my late mentor, Harry Essex, a Hollywood screenwriting legend, encouraged me to “shake it out” into a historical novel. The Bonus March is a cautionary tale very timely for current events.
Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising?
The era of the Great Depression presents unique challenges to the historical novelist. For one, many people during that time tried to alter their hard luck by changing their names. One of my main characters, a rail-riding hobo, changed his name several times. Tracing his steps across the country became quite a quest. In his short memoir, he even got the maiden name of his wife wrong because she too changed her name several times. Another of my main characters was divorced, which was rare in those days. His archives had been scrubbed of personal anecdotes, but I hit gold when I discovered an unpublished manuscript hidden in the archives of his ex-wife.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
Herbert Hoover, the U.S. president during the Bonus March, has gone down in history as uncaring and cold toward the plight of homeless and destitute. Nothing could be further from the truth. He had a big heart and spent much of his personal fortune as an international businessman helping fellow Americans get back home from Europe at the start of World War One. He also prevented millions of Europeans from starving by heading up the Commission for Relief in Belgium.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
My novel features an ensemble cast with eight Americans who endured World War One and came together again in 1932 to play prominent roles in the Bonus March. Collectively, they are idealistic, courageous, and persistent.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
Following eight characters through the war and into the Great Depression was an epic endeavor. I considered splitting the book into two novels, but I came to realize that the second half of the story would make little sense without the reader first reading and understanding the experiences of the characters during the war.
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
No. I tried painstakingly to honor the historical record. Some aspects and actions of certain characters--such as George Patton and Douglas MacArthur--may surprise and even shock readers, but I was determined to show them as they truly were, warts and all.
What are you currently working on?
My most recent novel is set during the American Civil War and tells the story of the Nancy Harts, the most famous female militia in American history. I’m currently juggling three research projects, all set during the Civil War.
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
First, write only if you cannot stop yourself from writing. Second, don’t allow literary agents to destroy your dreams. Find a fellow writer for a mentor, preferably one older who has been through the publishing wars and will be both honest and supportive.
Personal Interview questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Hiking, golf, reading, travel.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I grew up in Indiana, where basketball is a religion. Sports consumed my ambitions, but I also loved history and politics. Writing novels was the last thing I ever contemplated.
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
Whatever’s in the freezer. I’ll never turn down good clam chowder.
What would be a perfect day?
Nothing beats visiting battlefields and castles while listening for ghosts.
What is the best part of your day?
That moment I’m finished with the day’s writing.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: Tea
Hot or cold: Depends on the season--I go both ways.
Movie or book: Book.
Morning person or Night owl: Night owl.
City or country: Scotland
Social Media or book: Book
Paperback or ebook: Paperback
Thank you for hosting Glen Craney today, with such a fascinating interview! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting me, Beatrice!
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