How much work does your title do to take readers into the story?Visit Nicola Kraus's website.
While the novel had many titles over the eight years that I was writing it, once I hit on The Best We Could Hope For it was so clearly non-negotiable. I love language with multiple meanings. This title immediately asks readers to consider, is the story they’re about to learn the best case scenario? Or the worst case scenario? For many characters it’s both. Additionally, since the narrative starts in the postwar era, the idea of the best looms large for this sprawling family, wanting the best, deserving the best, having the best. And falling so far short. Hope is also a powerful recurring theme. Hope as an active agent for change, and hope as delusion.
What's in a name?
The daughter in my novel is named Linden because...[read on]
Q&A with Nicola Kraus.
--Marshal Zeringue
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