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David R. Gillham Biography, Books, and Similar Authors

Author Biography  | Interview  | Books by this Author  | Read-Alikes

David R. Gillham

David R. Gillham

How to pronounce David R. Gillham: GILL-um

David R. Gillham Biography

David R. Gillham is a New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction. His work includes City of Women (2012), Annelies (2019) and Shadows of Berlin (2022)

Having studied screenwriting at the University of Southern California before transitioning into fiction, David Gillham relocated to New York City, spending more than a decade in the book business. He now lives with his family in Western Massachusetts.

David R. Gillham's website

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Interview

David R. Gillham discusses his 2022 novel Shadows of Berlin

Where did the idea for Shadows of Berlin come from? Where do you start when writing a new book?

I had been very interested in the idea of survivor's guilt, and I wanted to explore the aftereffects of trauma and what the living owe to the memory of the dead.

All your books have dealt with World War II in some way. What brings you back to this era in history?

I have been interested in the Second World War since childhood. On a personal note, my father served in the army during the war. More broadly, I believe the war shaped the world we live in today. And we are still dealing with many problems the war created or failed to address. So I believe it remains relevant and very fertile ground for fiction.

While we come to understand Angelika, the narrative does not forgive her actions. Do you think it matters why people do bad things? Should it change the consequences they face?

I have always searched out the "gray" areas of my characters' actions and intentions. No one is totally good or totally bad in my books; no one rides for free. Everyone must pay a price for their actions. I don't expect readers to feel any particular sympathy for Angelika. In the end, she was still a murderer. But I do hope readers are moved to discuss the ...

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Books by this Author

Books by David R. Gillham at BookBrowse
Shadows of Berlin jacket City of Women jacket
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Read-Alikes

All the books below are recommended as read-alikes for David R. Gillham but some maybe more relevant to you than others depending on which books by the author you have read and enjoyed. So look for the suggested read-alikes by title linked on the right.
How we choose read-alikes

  • Diane Ackerman

    Diane Ackerman

    Poet, essayist, and naturalist, Diane Ackerman is the author of many highly acclaimed works of nonfiction, including A Natural History of the Senses -- a book beloved by readers all over the world and the volumes Deep Play, A... (more)

    If you enjoyed:
    City of Women

    Try:
    The Zookeeper's Wife
    by Diane Ackerman

  • Chris Bohjalian

    Chris Bohjalian

    Chris Bohjalian is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-three books, including Hour of the Witch, The Red Lotus, Midwives, and The Flight Attendant, was the basis for the hit HBO Max television series starring ... (more)

    If you enjoyed:
    City of Women

    Try:
    The Sandcastle Girls
    by Chris Bohjalian

We recommend 19 similar authors


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