Our reviewer Sandra
Wurman, wrote FIND
HER "first and foremost I have to say I've never been more emotionally
invested in a story. FIND HER crept into my heart and consciousness and refused
to leave. This book is so well written with obvious attention to details and
sequences that the author, Lisa Gardner, deserves plaudits for a job very well
done. I've read lots of crime novels, but FIND HER is gritty and scarily
plausible, and that's what makes it attention-grabbing."
So now it's time to talk to the author and find out more about FIND HER (February 2016).
I can’t help but wonder – just what or who was your model or
inspiration for the character of Flora Dane? Flora had to be one of the most
resourceful characters ever written – human to be sure – but so mentally secure
in her own way. The mantra she developed was awe inspiring.
I developed Flora’s character after interviewing two victim specialists from
the FBI’s Office of Victim Assistance. These specialists focus on working with a
victim’s family during a crisis as well as developing a post-captivity plan upon
recovery. One of the specialists emphasized over and over again that survivors
are strong. That’s why they survived. The biggest mistake you can make upon
recovery is to treat the survivor as a victim. Instead, remind the survivor that
yes, he and she can do this. Strength is the antidote to fear, and survivors
need to hold on to their strength, or they can lose their way to fear.
There are times – albeit briefly – that we almost see Flora’s Monster
trucker in a human light. The spare moments when he seems to “care” for Flora.
Brilliant portrayal of a demonic person without a soul. Just how did you “see”
Jacob? By the way I love the way she called him her monster.
As part of my research for FIND HER, I read several of
the memoirs written by survivors of major abduction cases, you know, the
headline-making crimes where the girls were held for years, even decades. One of
the more surprising things I read is that a monster can’t act terribly all the
time. It’s too much work for one thing. So, for all the moments of violence and
terror and shame, there’s also movie night, or a gift of a radio, or the time he
brought home her favorite food. It becomes part of the complexity of the
relationship. As Flora admits, she hates Jacob, will always hate Jacob. And yet,
part of her misses him, too. For better or worse, he is the single most powerful
relationship she’s ever had, which is awful for her.
There’s that issue with people developing feelings for their captors
– Stockholm syndrome – and Flora battles with herself about her “feelings” for
Jacob. How did you manage to do this without making Flora appear weak which
would have been against her innate survivor mentality?
Trauma bonding, Stockholm Syndrome, these are all very real, very powerful
conditions. Two years later, when the kidnapping victim is left home alone, why
doesn’t she call the police for help? Because she can’t. Because none of us are
wired that simply. As a suspense novelists, I’ve always been fascinated by
criminology—what makes a predator. But FIND HER is really Flora’s story—what
makes a survivor. Which I think is even more compelling.
The relationship between Samuel and Flora is necessary for the
healing process. But his knowledge was imperative in the search for Flora when
she once again is missing. Did you purposefully make him the thorn in D.D.’s
side? Candidly there were times when I was angry at the nerve to enact patient
privilege with her life probably in peril.
From a detective’s perspective, of course any expert arguing privileged
information is frustrating. So on D.D.’s behalf, I’m glad you gnashed your
teeth! J But privilege is all about protecting the survivor, which is Samuel’s
main priority. Flora trusted him with a story she’s never told anyone else.
Never. To violate their agreement, and their bond, would be more damaging to
someone like Flora, than anything else. And remember, Samuel has faith in
Flora’s strength. That’s his job as well. Much to D.D.’s dismay.
Okay we love to hate characters. In FIND HER there are several.
Since this is an interview to entice people to read FIND HER I hesitate to even
mention one in particular. But we come to realize this character is an important
cog in the Monsters machine. So it goes back to an old question or quandary.
Nature or nurture. Are monster born or raised?
As a suspense novelist, nature vs nature is one of my favorite arguments. In
my free time, I read a shocking number of true crime stories, in order to
understand how predators are made. It’s probably not good for me. :-) My own
take: the answer is all the above. You can find case studies where clearly the
serial killer was “wired-wrong” from the get-go, to much more tragic cases where
the cycle of violence, lack of nurture, was definitely a contributing factor.
Human beings are very, very complex creatures, which means I’ll never run out of
things to write about.
After being abducted and abused, victims find it almost impossible to
return to a normal life. Your characterization of the intelligence and cunning
of Flora is so realistic. When you write about victims returning home what
resources do you use to keep that realism so spot on?
While I’m known for writing dark books, I feel that overall, I’m always
telling stories of characters working their way to a better place. We are all
stronger than we think. The challenge is discovering that strength and honing
it. For Flora, part of finding her strength is making it tangible—she’s become
an expert on self-defense, self-reliance, etc. But at the end of the day, it’s
her mental fortitude that will always be her best asset. That, of course, and
her knowledge of deadly uses for plastic straws.
This is a relationship story. Flora and her mother and brother. Jacob
and Molly. D.D. and her husband. And Samuel and Flora. Each of these
relationships are the foundation of this story. What I found so telling was the
relationship between the old Flora and Flora 2.0. Flora 2.0 is hard on herself
for the things she had to do to survive. And yet we know if old Flora hadn’t
been smart and strong she wouldn’t have survived 472 days in captivity. What was
your motivation in making Flora 2.0 so hard on herself?
According to the victim specialists, one of the biggest challenges survivors
face is second-guessing themselves. Once they’re out of crisis, they find
themselves looking back with a terrible case of would’ve, could’ve, should’ve. I
should’ve fought harder. That day, I could’ve escaped. Second-guessing what
already happened, however, undermines their ability to respect and acknowledge
how well they did cope, the fact that they did survive. For Flora, she’s had to
let her old self go. For her, Flora 1.0 was stupid and naïve—the kind of girl
who’d wind up in a coffin-sized box. To move forward, she needs to be stronger,
smarter, more resourceful. Flora 2.0. Samuel would probably argue they’re both
still Flora, but for Flora, this separation works for her.
I loved the idea that Flora made use of her surroundings. There were
times that I actually laughed out loud when I realized what her plan was. I am
still amazed that you got me to laugh while reading one of the most disturbing
stories. How did you ever think of her “tools”?
I got it from reading survivor’s accounts, and then I just became fascinated
with the idea that there are tools all around us. And yes, even garbage can be
used brilliantly and efficiently for self-defense. Some of the tricks I used had
nothing to do with crime—just, household hacks for say, creating fire when you
don’t have matches. But for someone like Flora, determined to feel strong, I can
see how all these tips would appeal to her. And frankly, researching just
exactly what you can do with a plastic straw, was great fun!
Last but not least – the time spent in the box. Did you actually
spend any time confined to be able to write so convincingly of things Flora
thought about, did, and said to herself? The total absence of light, no
conceivable way to escape, dependent for everything. I know this was done to
make her docile but your insight actually gave her strength.
I don’t know if this is embarrassing or not, but yes I spent a morning on the
floor of my office, pretending I was trapped in a box. Just how much could I
move? Just what options did I have? Method writing! :-) Given than I’m
claustrophobic, I’m happy it was just make believe. But it did help give me
insights into Flora and it was interesting how many options for exercise,
self-entertainment I could come up with.
Now I’m going to have to read it again. This is a book that is
definitely going to be dog eared. Thank you.
Ah, that is high-praise indeed. Thank you very much!
Lisa Gardner, a #1 New York Times crime thriller novelist,
began her career in food service, but after catching her hair on fire numerous
times, she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described
research junkie, her work as a research analyst for an international consulting
firm parlayed her interest in police procedure, cutting edge forensics and
twisted plots into a streak of internationally bestselling suspense novels,
including her most recent release, FIND HER.
With over 22 million books in
print, Lisa is published in 30 countries. Her success crosses into the small
screen with four of her novels becoming movies (At the Midnight Hour; The
Perfect Husband; The Survivors Club; Hide) and personal appearances on
television shows (TruTV; CNN).
Lisa Gardner’s novels have also received
awards from across the globe. Her novel THE NEIGHBOR was recognized as the Best
Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers in the United States and
Grand Prix des lectrices de Elle, prix du policier in France. She was also
recognized with the Daphne duMaurior Award presented by RWA in 2000 for THE
OTHER DAUGHTER.
Readers are invited to get in on the fun by entering the
annual “Kill a Friend, Maim a Buddy” Sweepstakes at LisaGardner.com, where they
can nominate the person of their choice to die in Lisa’s latest novel. Every
year, one Lucky Stiff is selected for Literary Immortality. It’s cheaper than
therapy, and you get a great book besides.
Lisa lives in New Hampshire with her auto-racing husband and black-diamond
skiing daughter. She spends her days writing in her loft with a gentle old
sheltie and a wonderfully silly puppy.
Flora Dane is a victim.
Seven years ago, carefree college
student Flora was kidnapped while on spring break. For 472 days, Flora learned
just how much one person can endure.
Flora Dane is a
survivor.
Miraculously alive after her ordeal, Flora has spent the
past five years reacquainting herself with the rhythms of normal life, working
with her FBI victim advocate, Samuel Keynes. She has a mother who’s never
stopped loving her, a brother who is scared of the person she’s become, and a
bedroom wall covered with photos of other girls who’ve never made it
home.
Flora Dane is reckless.
. . . or is she? When
Boston detective D. D. Warren is called to the scene of a crime—a dead man and
the bound, naked woman who killed him—she learns that Flora has tangled with
three other suspects since her return to society. Is Flora a victim or a
vigilante? And with her firsthand knowledge of criminal behavior, could she hold
the key to rescuing a missing college student whose abduction has rocked Boston?
When Flora herself disappears, D.D. realizes a far more sinister predator is out
there. One who’s determined that this time, Flora Dane will never escape. And
now it is all up to D. D. Warren to find her.
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