Scottish author's historical novels strike chord with young Americans

Scottish author's historical novels strike chord with young Americans
Ann Byle
13 May 2007
The Grand Rapids Press


K.M. Grant has a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic. She's a native of England who lives in Scotland, yet she hears regularly from young American readers who adore the books in The deGranville Trilogy.

"U.S. children are more open, e-mailing with wonderful impetuosity," said Grant in a recent interview. "But in both places, I find my fans a very classy crew who often make my day with their pithy observations and exclamations."

Grant will visit West Michigan this week as part of her U.S. tour to promote the last book in The deGranville Trilogy, "Blaze of Silver." The series is set in the Middle Ages and has everything young readers could want: horses, swords, battles, kings, romance (just a bit!) and crusades. Will, his horse Hosanna, Ellie, Will's brother Gavin, and the Muslim Kamil must fight battles at home and abroad in the years when King Richard calls a crusade.

"The trilogy has appealed to lots of readers. It's hard to describe the glow when they talk about the characters as if they were real," said Grant. "After Hosanna, many have liked the developing relationship between Will and Ellie best, and have e- mailed to ask whether they will get married.

She's not saying, but does add, "I don't like my characters to suddenly become 21st century characters, just to get a neater ending. I like them to be true to themselves and the times in which they live."

Grant began her writing career as a journalist, and continues to cover current events in Glasgow, where she lives. The deGranville books have 65,000 in print, with the first book, "Blood Red Horse," back for a second hardcover printing and the second, "Green Jasper," just out in paperback. "Blaze of Silver" was released in April.

Grant's next book, "How the Hangman Lost His Heart," will be released in October.

"History's nothing but a giant story incorporating everything children like: blood and guts, romance, high adventure, horses, funny clothes, exotic places and that special tingle up the spine because what they are reading about actually happened.

"What could be better than a historical novel? All of the excitement, none of the pain," Grant said.