Paula McLain on "Skylark," Hidden Paris, and the Women History Forgot

Описание: The Hidden Lives of Women History Forgot: An Interview with Paula McLain (Skylark, Historical Fiction)

Bestselling author Paula McLain joins us to discuss her new novel, Skylark, a captivating dual-timeline historical novel that explores Hidden Paris and a woman’s fight for creative freedom. We dive deep into the secrets of Paris's underground tunnels, the Nazi occupation of the 1940s, and the fascinating parallels with 17th-century sumptuary laws. This is a must-listen for fans of WWII history, Paris-set novels, and literary interviews!

Key Topics from the Conversation
• The Power of Place: How Paris’s buried River Bièvre and underground tunnels became a character and a key inspiration for Skylark.
• Creative Resistance: Exploring the intersection of artistic freedom and resistance, and how women claimed agency during the 17th century and WWII.
• Women in the Shadows: McLain reflects on her past acclaimed novels (The Paris Wife, Circling the Sun, Love and Ruin) and her enduring fascination with women who lived close to power but remained overlooked by history.
• The Dual Timeline: Why the story of 1664 France and 1940s Nazi-occupied France demanded to be told together.

Video Timestamps


Host Introduces Paula McLain and Her New Novel, Skylark

00:00:00

Exploring Paris as a Character and Skylark's Core Themes of Resistance

00:03:32

Discovering Paris's Underground Tunnels and the True Story of WWII Doctors

00:06:34

How Paula McLain Crafts Interior Lives from Historical Records and Fills the Gaps

00:14:36

Examining the Agency and Resilience of Women Like Hadley, Beryl, and Martha

00:22:43

Paula McLain's Approach to Genre, Ideas, and Advice for Aspiring Writers

00:28:35

The Lasting Impact of Skylark's Themes and Paula's Deep Connection to Her Characters

00:35:20

Host's Flagship February Beer Recommendation and Final Thoughts

00:41:06

Featured Guest & Community
Paula McLain – Bestselling Author of Skylark, The Paris Wife, Circling the Sun, and Love and Ruin.

Keywords for Search: Historical Fiction, WWII, Nazi Occupation, Paris, Dual-Timeline Novels, The Paris Wife, Creative Freedom, Literary Interviews, Women in History.

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Crack One Open 🍻: Flagship February Pick
February marks the return of “Flagship February,” a time to revisit the core beers that built our favorite breweries. This week’s pick is Stoked! Hazy Pale Ale from HenHouse Brewing Company—an easy-drinking OG that returns to its roots with Citra hops front and center. Pouring a bright straw yellow, Stoked delivers passionfruit and citrus aromatics with a light body and ultra–thirst-quenching finish. Widely available across Sonoma County, it’s a reminder that sometimes the classics really do hit the hardest. A perfect beer to kick off Flagship February—and one of the best times of year to explore local beer.

Upcoming Event (Limited Time)
Paula McLain: Morning in Paris — Skylark Reading & Conversation

📍 Location: Little Saint, Healdsburg, CA
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, February 7 ⏰ 10:00 AM
☕ Details: Coffee, pastries & Parisian conversation with photographer and Francophile Rebecca Plotnick