Did reading the Author's Note change your perception of anything in the novel?

Did you read the Author's Note? If so, did learning about the real people the characters were based on change your perception of anything in the novel?

Definitely. I read the author's note early, when I had trouble getting into the novel because it seemed more than a little stilted. Once I knew Julia was a real person, I was able to attempt to use the author's "what could have happened" theory to get myself past some of the stilted language and contrived scenes.

It seems there are (at least) two types of historical fiction: those that are actually novels based on real people but have the lilt and music of fiction and those in which the author tried much too hard to find the character's true voice. This is the latter and suffered for it.

I also found that knowing there is no evidence for a romantic relationship between Julia and Dr. Murphy made the book seem more contrived. Why does there have to be a romantic relationship in order to get to know a strong female protagonist?

Yes, it added her perspective and thought process in the execution of the writing of the novel thus added to my understanding and appreciation.

I agree with all of the above comments. The stilted tone of the narrative made more sense once I knew more about Julia. The romantic relationship (which seemed somewhat contrived) seemed less important once I knew it WAS contrived by the author.

Yes, I thought the Author’s note added to the story. It was interesting that the story was based on a true person. I liked that she added the possible romance part.

For those who have not read The War Nurse, we have an author Q&A on BookBrowse that contains some of the same information as the Author's Note:

https://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm/author_number/3509

I honestly wish I would have read it before finishing the book. It made Julia more “real” and firmly settled the Dr. Murphy question.

I liked knowing that the story was based on a real person. However, I do confess to being disappointed to find out that Julia and Fred did not, in reality, end up together, which was strongly suggested in the book. If they did not have that type of relationship, I question why the author felt it necessary to make it so. Even though I am a romantic at heart, I strongly believe that a woman does not need to have a love relationship in order to be successful.

No, not really. I appreciated her comments about accuracy of characters roles. My least favorite was Marie Curie and I would have been interested in a little more about her personality. I thank her for taking the time to explain as much about the characters as she could

Yes, I read it when I was in the middle of the book. It helped to understand some things. I always like to know who is real and who is not. I find I am not the only one who found the book a little stilted.

I agree with a lot of what is said here. I didn’t like the unnecessary romance that was contrived and I think the author just had to fill too many holes. Stilted is a good word here.

The author's note is helpful. I usually read such material and any notes at the end to gain insight into the author's ideas about the real historical figure. I didn't mind the hint at a romantic relationship. The story is sound.

I also found it interesting to find out that Julia was based on a real person. I was disappointed , but not surprised to find out that Julia and Fred did not get together in the end. I think Julia's passion for her career was stronger than love for Fred. I think she was still trying to prove something to her family.

The author's note did not change my mind about the book. It read like it was taken from a person's life and historical accounts. There was a bit too much exposition at times that filled in the holes but in a more academic way than I would prefer.

I don't think it change my perception of anything, but it made me all the happier that I had read the book. Knowing that part of the people and many of the situations were true to life was refreshing to know. I would much rather read a book based on truth, with truthful situations presented, than a fully fictionalized book. I feel as though I have glanced at a minute of history simply by reading a good novel.

The author’s note made it clear that Julia was a real person and many of her challenges were real. The addition of a love affair was unfortunate. It made the situation more false and discounted Julia as a person, always romance and male dependent. It also made the book more like a Young Adult novel and less tethered to reality.

I thought the author's note clarified things for me. It pulled it together in terms of a summary...it is sort of like the final chapter