At what point did you read the Author’s Note – before, after, or while you read the novel? Did you do much research/internet searching about people and events as you read?
As a former teacher, I am too much of a rule follower to read books out of order! Sometimes I wish I read the authors notes first, but in this case I am glad that I just immersed myself in the story and had the author’s note as a chance to learn more about these fascinating characters.
I almost always read the author’s note first, because it often reveals something about the text I probably wouldn’t have picked up on on my own. In this case, it also revealed some spoilers, but I was OK with that.
I almost always do a ton of Googling when I’m reading historical fiction. I’m particularly interested in knowing more about the people mentioned.
I read the author’s note first because it provided background to part of history of history I did not know about. I then did some research as I was reading the book because I enjoy learning about historical events.
1 Like
I did not do much research, I wanted to enjoy the book and be surprised as much as possible. Surprised I was!!
I read the author’s note after I finished the book and was amazed so few Americans actually dies during this attack. It was mostly Europeans.
I also looked up both sisters online and was surprised with how they looked and really enjoyed getting to know more about their lives.
I read them at the end of the book, but I did search for Rita online. I found her photo interesting. She did not look as I had imagined. I wanted to verify that she and Inez really existed.
I read the Author’s Note and did some research while I was reading the book, because I was unfamiliar with Rita’s story and wanted to know if she was a “real” person. The spoilers didn’t ruin the book for me. I think it made me appreciate it more.
During my reading I took peeks at the author’s notes and did a little googling. Obviously, I knew the ending but didn’t want to know what became of the Jolivets in real life until I had finished.
Catherine, you expressed my thoughts better than I could have. I, too, cannot read out of order–and in this case I am glad I didn’t.
I read the notes after I finished the book and really enjoyed that information. What a fascinating life the sisters led!
I read the author’s note after I read the book. However, as I am reading, I write down the names of people, places or things of interest. I try to stay within the story as much as I can. Then when I have a moment, I do research on those topics listed in my book journal. I love seeing a photo of a place or person that is mentioned. I will sometimes also look on you tube for an author interview. I don’t mind spoilers from an author’s notes, I just tend to read them after the book.
I finished my reading with the Author’s note. As is my habit when reading historical fiction, I am constantly looking things up as I read and I also start searching out books that will give me more insight into the period, event and people.
I did quite a bit of research as a I read, I always do that, so it wasn’t unusual. I put together a portfolio on the book, including shots of Rita, handbills of her productions, info on the Lusitania etc. I also, realized quite early that Inez must be deceased and was curious about that so I read the author’s note. I usually do that before I read a book because I find that I usually wish I knew what they include there, when I am reading the book and not after, and I don’t mind any spoilers.
When I read historical fiction, I generally read the author’s notes first. I want to know what the author’s sources are and to make a judgement on the boundary between history and fiction. After reading the book I read more about Rita.
I read the Author’s Note after the story and learned more about the actual event.
I have since done a bit of research based on the Lusitania sinking, specifically the international aspects of it and culpability of those involved. For me, the author’s words have added an extra dimension to the story.
I read the author’s note at the end, but I also do a lot of Googling while I’m reading historical fiction. I think it’s especially interesting to find actual photos (if they exist) of the people or events that I’m reading about.
I did not read the Author’s notes until I finished reading the book. I did not know Rita and Inez were real people. This led to several hours of online research!
I read the Author’s Note according to where it is placed in the book. If it is before the story begins, I read it before starting the book because I figure there must be information contained that the author wants readers to know in advance. If the Author’s Note appears at the end of the book, I read it when I arrive there. So that’s what I did in this instance and I found it very illuminating and informative. I’m glad I didn’t read it before becoming immersed in the story, though. I had no idea I was reading about a real actress who survived, much less her activities after. I also did not know about the other character who had actually lived. So that sent me to Google & I read more about Rita, her life, & her career. I was disappointed to find that her marriage to the Count ended in divorce after a few years, but she did marry again and that was a long &, according to the accounts I read, happy union. She lived 86 years, although her acting career ended less than a decade after the war ended.