Peter J Meehan
Author Interview - Peter J Meehan
Author of Return to Pamplona, a Lover's quest in Post-War Spain
This sweeping historical saga of romance, mystery and political intrigue is set against the tumultuous backdrop of post-civil war Spain. When Richard, a naive academic, falls for Terese, a spirited, Spanish Basque caught up in Franco’s resolve to eliminate any opposition, their forbidden love collides with the politics of a fractured nation.
Opening with Terese’s journey to meet with Richard in Basque France, she is haunted by the shadow of her missing uncle in finding a way to escape Spain. When she fails to arrive at their planned rendezvous, Richard returns to Pamplona, desperate to find out what has happened. Despite a Guardia Civil crackdown, he searches everywhere for her after intense questioning by the authorities. Unable to find any trace of her, Richard is forced to leave the country. Back home in London, he continues writing letters to determine what might have happened, without success. Heartbroken, his last contact promises to let him know of any new developments.
Years later, a discovery compels Richard back to Spain’s intrigue, determined to uncover the mystery behind Terese’s disappearance—a quest that could change everything he thought he knew.
This novel of star-crossed love and Spain’s postwar reckoning offers a deeply engaging blend of romance and history, a nuanced portrait of a nation grappling with its fascist past, a theme still painfully relevant in our current geopolitical moment.
For readers who loved The Shadow of the Wind and All the Light We Cannot See, this historical romance, blending passion with suspense, creates a deeply moving narrative that lingers long after the last page.
Author Interview - Peter J Meehan
Author I draw inspiration from:
Sebastian Faulks, Where My Heart Used to Beat, Birdsong
Author Interview - Peter J Meehan | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
A comfortable chair by the window in late afternoon
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
Nobody would want to be stuck in an elevator, but someone who you know nothing about is preferable to a character whose secrets are revealed in a book.
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
Always making up stories as a child, I've been a prolific fiction reader throughout my life. Drawn to science, I started writing on holidays without a plan to publish. After a life-changing experience living in Eastern Europe, I decided to try to show readers what life was like in a failed state and how the country and people got there.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
Hardback and paperback feel good to hold while reading, ebooks are reasonable substitutes and audiobooks are for driving journeys.
The last book I read:
The Force by Don Winslow. An engaging modern police thriller with a 'tragic hero' main character, an admirable cop who starts out as an idealist, only to realize his ego failure, despite his best intentions: A fantastic read.
Author Interview - Peter J Meehan | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
Having started using pen and paper, I keep notes to review ideas. I find the computer ideal for editing, searches and storage but have made the mistake of accidentally eliminating a day's work or not saving a backup if I'm pressed for time. All is not lost if I realize my mistake shortly after the error. Sometimes I'm able to improve what I remember, but re-writing without the original is not a very effective way to finish a novel.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
I cannot think of a single main character, especially those in my favourite books, as we readers find out too much information, whether all their weaknesses or strengths: too much to know in a best friend. A little mystery goes a long way, as opposed to being aware of motivations. Not knowing important aspects, keeping some distance is better
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
I always wanted to be an astronaut when growing up, but the reality of space and lack of freedom in the military soon made me realize--NOT for me. I'd be an evolutionary biologist
Favorite decade in fashion history:
The smart casual era of 10-20 years ago when dressing for special occasions and trips was more widespread than today.
Place I’d most like to travel:
Japan, a fascinating country that has parallels to Great Britain, developing their own unique civilization that was a world power. Their society appeals in terms of manners and customs, though they regard anything non-Japanese as inferior.
My signature drink:
craft beer or rioja red wine (a region in Spain)
Favorite artist:
Music soothes the soul, particularly a folky guitarist (aka Bob Dylan or Lenard Cohen)
Number one on my bucket list:
Continuing my writing journey, my next project is a memoir attempting to understand my parents motivations in leaving Ireland, particularly my father, the seeker of truth.
Find more from the author:
https://www.facebook.com/travelingfiction
Instagram- @peterjmeehanauthor
Twitter- @PJMstories
website- https://www.peterjmeehan.ca/
About Peter J Meehan:
Peter J Meehan
Emigrating from Ireland to Canada as a child, living in NATO Europe during grade school, and spending summers in Ireland, resulted in tremendous cultural shock on returning to North America for high school. As a loner, reading and motorcycles appealed to my adventurous spirit. After finishing university with a first class honours B Sc, three years of summer Arctic field work, interspersed with continental motorcycle trips, allowed several months of winter travel to the Mediterranean, Mexico and the southern United States. After earning an MSc in London, an opportunity to work in Vienna and a growing family lead to the Balkans in 2001, inspiring a travelogue/ thriller mashup, That Weekend in Albania. A compelling Spanish encounter pulled readers into post-war Spain for a second book, a love story haunted by Franco’s ghost: Return to Pamplona is a romantic mystery in the Basque country (awarded by Bestsellers World in 2024). Thriving in Ukraine from 2018-20, Kyiv’s vibrant arts scene started me on a memoir addressing my Irish / Canadian identity. I hope to write another memoir: air force brat outsider in Cold War Europe, finding comfort (30 years later) in Eastern Europe. I remain a frequent and observant traveler when not in the outdoors.
