I can't wait to dig into the Fire Agent, David. I foresee a transition here at DBIS next spring as we transition to a book club of sorts. A few questions if I may:
How far into your discovery and review of your father's documents did you envision writing a book?
Do you have plans to donate the documents to a university so historians can embark on their own research?
In advance of our communal reading, are there any books, documentaries or films that would provide important background information that would enhance our Fire Agent experience?
Are you aware of the recently released book, Judgment at Tokyo: World War ll on Trial and the Making of Modern Asia by Gary Bass?
Given sensitivities among Japan, China, and Korea related to Japan's Wll atrocities, have you unearthed any information that might not go down well in certain quarters? I've mentioned that my uncle, Peter Young, was a survivor of the Bataan Death March but he died in the POW camp in the Philippines. Like you, I have inherited a wealth of documents and correspondence related to his time before the Japanese invasion as well as papers between my grandmother and the War Department while he was MIA.
Is a book tour on the horizon? If so, the Boston/Cambridge crowd would be a natural audience for you, and Reg and me!
Many thanks for providing us with so much advance information. This forum that Dan created may well provide the most in-depth and thoughtful conversations related to your novel.
Peter T.
