Silas, both of these novels you discuss as inspiration are authored by European writers… do you think there are nuances in the themes listed that Europeans possess that is distinctive from American writers?
A lot of American writers influenced this book, too; I just haven't gotten around to mentioning them yet. However, I do think there is a different sensibility, especially among writers who are from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. More of a comfort in luxuriating in the language and in focusing on sense of place. I think those are two reasons I gravitate to so many European writers, especially those from the UK and Ireland. Thanks for reading!
I just added this to my list for fall reads and I can’t wait to read it. I am so curious about the title and if you are willing to share how it came about. Tulip Poplars hold a special place in the natural history of my neck of the woods. My grandparents were the caretakers of Dysart Woods, one of the few remaining old growth tracts in Appalachia (now under the stewardship of Captina Conservancy) and it was home to one of the oldest Tulip Poplars in this part of Appalachia until it was struck by lightening in the 1990s. I was a kid at the time, and heartbroken when it happened.
The title is a reference to the way the four main characters all have a deep connection to the land that keeps drawing them back. There is a grove of tulip poplars in the book that are constantly being threatened but one of the main characters is willing to do anything to protect them because they symbolize so much of home for him. So the trees are symbols for home. Since this is a book about people who can’t be who they want to be in their homeplace it’s a way of putting emphasis on the meanings of belonging and home. So, the title is metaphorical but it’s also alluding to a literal group of trees that exist throughout the novel.
Well Now I’m just going to have read the Welsh Girl, which will give me something to read and contemplate while I wait for your Tulip Poplars to come out.
I’m not in general a fan of romance novels, but I’ll definitely read the Tulip Poplars. I feel sure I must have read Madame Bovary at some point in the far past, but cannot say that I remember it - that’s both the tragedy and gift of brain injury and old age 🤷🏻♀️. You have intrigued me sufficiently that I might try it and the Welch Boy, if I manage, before your book becomes available.
Wonderful. Now I need to read THE WELSH GIRL. Thanks for sharing this. Inspiring, as always.
It's a beautiful and cinematic read. I think you'd love it.
Silas, both of these novels you discuss as inspiration are authored by European writers… do you think there are nuances in the themes listed that Europeans possess that is distinctive from American writers?
A lot of American writers influenced this book, too; I just haven't gotten around to mentioning them yet. However, I do think there is a different sensibility, especially among writers who are from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. More of a comfort in luxuriating in the language and in focusing on sense of place. I think those are two reasons I gravitate to so many European writers, especially those from the UK and Ireland. Thanks for reading!
Really looking forward to your latest book!
Thanks so much; I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.
Been on my list ever since I saw it on a list of anticipated books for 2026! Cannot wait to read it, Silas.
Much appreciated! Let me know what you think.
I just added this to my list for fall reads and I can’t wait to read it. I am so curious about the title and if you are willing to share how it came about. Tulip Poplars hold a special place in the natural history of my neck of the woods. My grandparents were the caretakers of Dysart Woods, one of the few remaining old growth tracts in Appalachia (now under the stewardship of Captina Conservancy) and it was home to one of the oldest Tulip Poplars in this part of Appalachia until it was struck by lightening in the 1990s. I was a kid at the time, and heartbroken when it happened.
The title is a reference to the way the four main characters all have a deep connection to the land that keeps drawing them back. There is a grove of tulip poplars in the book that are constantly being threatened but one of the main characters is willing to do anything to protect them because they symbolize so much of home for him. So the trees are symbols for home. Since this is a book about people who can’t be who they want to be in their homeplace it’s a way of putting emphasis on the meanings of belonging and home. So, the title is metaphorical but it’s also alluding to a literal group of trees that exist throughout the novel.
Well Now I’m just going to have read the Welsh Girl, which will give me something to read and contemplate while I wait for your Tulip Poplars to come out.
I’m not in general a fan of romance novels, but I’ll definitely read the Tulip Poplars. I feel sure I must have read Madame Bovary at some point in the far past, but cannot say that I remember it - that’s both the tragedy and gift of brain injury and old age 🤷🏻♀️. You have intrigued me sufficiently that I might try it and the Welch Boy, if I manage, before your book becomes available.
Looking forward to reading your book! I often think of Flaubert as a reluctant poet born at the wrong time. I will check out The Welsh Girl.