Stewart O'Nan, "City of Secrets," and the Work of Writing

“In post-World War II Jerusalem, a concentration camp survivor becomes involved in the underground resistance movement against the British.”

That is the straightforward description of Stewart O’Nan’s newest novel, “City of Secrets.” Brand, the camp survivor navigates between loss and hope in violent Jerusalem.  

Stewart O’Nan is an award winning American novelist. Beginning with the release of his 1993 debut novel “Snow Angel,”O’Nan’s spare, precise storytelling has garnered praise and awards.

Before he turned to writing full-time, O’Nan worked as a test engineer for Grumman Aerospace.

O’Nan’s engineering background serves him. To teach himself how to write, he would take apart the best American short stories in order to figure out how they were put together.

This interview is both a discussion of O’Nan’s latest novel and a generous class in writing from a master storyteller. 

This interview was recorded at our favorite spot for  talking books The Bryant Corner Cafe.   We will be back at the cafe May 10th at 3. Nancy Pearl will be leading a discussion about science fiction and fantasy. Do you read that genre, or do you avoid it? Join us with your thoughts at the cafe, or weigh in on twitter @thatstack or on Facebook, That Stack of Books with Nancy Pearl and Steve Scher. 

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