Claudia’s review of A Tarnished Life truly moved me. As an author, one of the most rewarding feelings is hearing that a reader has been emotionally engaged and drawn into the world you’ve created—and Claudia’s words reflect just that. Her response captures exactly what I hoped the book would offer: an immersive, emotionally charged experience rooted in history and humanity. 

The fact that she “couldn’t stop reading” means so much. This story was always meant to be compelling, not just in plot, but in feeling—a journey that holds the reader tightly as it unfolds. I aimed to bring the historical backdrop to life with vivid detail and authenticity, and I’m so pleased Claudia felt it was “made so vividly real.” History isn’t just facts—it’s people, places, voices, and emotion. I wanted to ensure the story honoured that depth. 

Claudia also mentioned the style of writing—the wit, the expressions, the sayings. That blend of lightness and tension is so important to me. Life, even in its darkest or most complicated moments, often contains humour or nostalgia, and I wanted my characters to reflect that balance. Those old sayings and turns of phrase are like echoes from a time gone by, anchoring the reader in a particular era while also bringing warmth and familiarity. 

“A world that is no longer there,” as Claudia so beautifully put it, is exactly what I tried to evoke—not just in the setting, but in the rhythm of the language, the interactions between characters, and the choices they face. To know that she not only connected with it but recommends it to others is truly the highest compliment. 

Thank you, Claudia, for your kind, thoughtful words. Your review reaffirms why I write—to connect, to evoke, and to remember.