The Traitor's Wife: A Novel (64 page)
Read The Traitor's Wife: A Novel Online
Authors: Allison Pataki
In terms of the process, I definitely do most of the research before I begin writing anything. This allows me to map out the framework of the plot—dates, locations, characters, etc. So for this novel, I read as many biographies and historical sources as I could find. I visited the places where the action occurred. I visited museums and libraries in Philadelphia and New York. All of this was helpful in learning about the historical context and the events that made up the story. And then once I have the historical skeleton in place, I get to make up the rest.
While writing, I’ll come across moments when I realize I need to go back and do some more research. I’ll be writing and I’ll realize I don’t know what Peggy’s dress would have looked like, or what sort of furniture they would have sat on, or what sort of music they would have been listening to. It’s all very fun.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to write a first novel?
A: Do it! Write the novel. People are always telling me that they have a book idea and that they want to write. To which I always say: do it! This started out as a guilty pleasure for me—something I would do to unwind at the end of a workday or work week. I had no idea that it would turn into something real. You never know until you try. If you’re inspired to write a novel or a poem or a screenplay, you are lucky. Inspiration in any context is an incredible blessing.
Oh, and, the other thing I would say: be kind to yourself along the way. Don’t expect yourself to bang out a polished manuscript on the first try. If you do, then more power to you. But a first draft should be treated as a first draft, not a glossy, finished novel.
Q: Are you currently working on another book? If so, what details can you share about the story?
A: Absolutely! I’ve got several books in the works, at various stages of completion. They are all in the historical fiction genre. And I hope that they, like
The Traitor’s Wife
, will shine a light on a well-known, fascinating moment in time—but from a new angle or different perspective. The best part of reading a book, in my opinion, is being transported to another time period. You get to see that world through another set of eyes. If I can give that experience to readers, then I will feel like I have accomplished my goal.
Enhance Your Book Club
Learn more about the Revolutionary War, including its major figures and decisive battles, at
www.history.com/topics/american-revolution
and
www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty
. On the latter website, you’ll find the Road to Revolution trivia game to add some friendly competition to your book club gathering.
Hit the road on a historically themed outing. The interactive guide at
www.nps.gov/revwar
features places related to the Revolutionary War, which took place from Maine to Florida and as far west as Arkansas and Louisiana. Consider visiting Philadelphia, where Peggy Shippen met both Benedict Arnold and John André.
Peggy Shippen Arnold was renowned for her beauty. View a portrait of her at
www.explorepahistory.com//displayimage.php?imgId=1-2-2E4
, or search the website for “Mrs. Benedict Arnold and daughter.”
Show your patriotic pride by having book club members dress in red, white, and blue, as Peggy did when Benedict Arnold came to call on her. If your loyalties lie with the British, stick with red attire.
© TRICIA McCORMACK
ALLISON PATAKI
graduated cum laude from Yale University and has spent several years writing for TV and online news outlets. The daughter of former New York State governor George E. Pataki, Allison was inspired to write
The Traitor’s Wife
based on the rich Revolutionary War history of her hometown in New York State’s Hudson Highlands.
The Traitor’s Wife
is Allison’s first novel. She lives in Chicago with her husband, David.
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Howard Books
A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2014 by Allison Pataki
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information address Howard Books Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
First Howard Books trade paperback edition February 2014
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Interior design by Davina Mock-Maniscalco
Cover design by Faceout Studio
Front cover dress photograph • Pixelworks/Steve Gardner • Background photographs by Veer and iStock Photo
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Pataki, Allison.
The Traitor’s Wife : A Novel—The woman behind Benedict Arnold and the plan to betray America / Allison Pataki.—First Howard Books trade paperback edition.
pages cm
1. Arnold, Margaret Shippen, 1760–1804—Fiction.
2. Arnold, Benedict, 1741–1801—Fiction. I. Title.
PS3616.A8664T73 2014
813’.6—dc23
2013023625
ISBN 978-1-4767-3860-4
ISBN 978-1-4767-3862-8 (ebook)
Howard Books
A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2014 by Allison Pataki
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information address Howard Books Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
First Howard Books trade paperback edition February 2014